I’m in the process of replacing my fuel pump on my 1978 L-82 but I need some guidance.  Exactly what bolt are they referring about on the paragraph below (taken from C3 repair manual)?  Also, since the pump is out, how do I pick up the fuel push rod?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

Thanks,

Bob

“On small-block engines, remove the bolt from the front right face of the engine block

which is almost opposite the forward pump mounting bolt. Insert a longer bolt (5x16x2

in.) in this hole and snug down the bolt. This will hold the fuel pump pushrod in place. On

big-block engines, the pushrod can be retained with heavy grease or mechanical fingers

during installation.”

Yes, the bolt in there now is a stubby one.  I cannot remember what bolt I inserted to hold the rod in place to keep it from falling out when you remove the fuel pump.  If memory is correct I used one of the bolts off the A/C supports to thread in.




|UPDATED|6/22/2015 9:32:56 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Here's a shot of the bolt in question. You'll need to remove the short bolt that is in the hole, and insert a longer bolt in it's place to hold the pushrod up. Sometimes a magnet can get ahold of the rod and slide it back up, sometimes you can use your finger, a small pocket screwdriver, or even a bent feeler gauge or hemostats.....it's a crapshoot as to what will work from one minute to the next. Once you do manage to get the rod pushed back up, then you'll want to hold it there and SNUG up the longer bolt you put in the front. You don't want to crank down on the longer bolt...just snug enough to keep the rod from falling back down. Too tight, and you can bend the pushrod.....not a good thing.

If all these tips fail, your only option is to remove the pump plate, and push the dern rod back up with the plate off.

Thank you for your help! I'll let you know how I made out!

Bob - the bolt they are referring to is on the right front corner of the block about two inches from the bottom. If your looking down from the passenger side fender, the RH fuel pump bolt you took out is almost pointing right at it. The bolt is all by itself and the only one that looks like its not doing anything, just looks like a bolt screwed into the block. Remove that bolt and install the longer bolt they are referring to to hold the pump push rod in its up while position while reinstalling the pump. When your done make sure you remove the longer bolt and install the original or you will have a very nasty oil leak. If the rod fell down when you removed the pump, either use a piece of wire bent with a hook on the end to snag it and push it up, or I generally remove the fuel pump mounting plate which is held on by the two bolts right below the fuel pump bolts. If you remove the plate, you will need to clean an buy an additional gasket to replace, but the rod will be openly accessible to push back up where it belongs. Also watch out when you remove the plate because the rod will probably fall out. Note which end of the rod was up in the block and which end was out at the pump. Last but not least, the rod and pump are actuated by a lobe on the cam, if you reinstall and the lobe is pushing the rod out, you will have to compress the spring in the fuel pump as your trying to reinstall it. It's much easier to check the lobe position by putting the rod back in and hold while you turn the motor over by HAND with a wrench on the crank pulley. When you can get the rod to achieve its highest position in the block, tighten the longer bolt you installed in the front of the block to hold it in that position, then install the mounting plate and the pump. Tighten the bolt just enough to hold the rod in position, you dont need to reef on it and REMEMBER to remove the longer bolt and reinstall the original when your done !! Sorry for the long winded answer, hope this helps. Oooooops, beat to the punch while typing !!! Better three replies than none.

|UPDATED|6/22/2015 9:58:31 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Small vise crips on fuel hose, will keep you from taking a fuel bath.

listen to adam    use a screw driver  lift rod up stick fuel pump arm in bolt it up  I must have done 1000 of these  it hard the frist time after that you will not think if must replace or help some one. dwa          note on high milage cars with lack of oil chane the rod will stay up   yes.

Hey Gary - it's true, I've never been accused of giving too short of an answer !! How's that LT1 been treating you ?? Got some of the bugs worked out that you were having ?? My offer still stands to take that troublesome thing off your hands 

I wish I would had read before I started removing the pump.  I got gas in my eyes, mouth and up my nose.