C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

[Ed D.]

Prior to pulling the old fuel pump, I used a longer bolt in front of the block to secure the fuel pump pushrod. Now that my fuel pump is off..... Looking at the position of the pushrod , I am unsure what I am looking at ! Is the pushrod all the way in ?? As I see no way to get the fuel pump arm under that rod as it is down too far . Should I just bolt on the fuel pump? This is my first time doing this ! (photo is sideways !)
Thanks Ed

[Jim D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

The push rod is all the way down. You didn't use a long enough bolt to secure it. No problem. Push it up with your finger and use a longer bolt.

[Leif A.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Or, the push rod for the fuel pump is riding on the high side of the cam lobe. Did you place #1 cylinder at TDC before removing the old pump?

[Frank D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Or, the push rod for the fuel pump is riding on the high side of the cam lobe. Did you place #1 cylinder at TDC before removing the old pump?

I don't think so Leif....as stated that rod has slid all the way down IMO...
It'll have to be goosed back up to mount the pump....which can be a PITA with that greasy, glassy smooth rod.

[Ed D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

No I did not place # 1 at TDC ...... would it be possible for me to bump the engine with the starter ?? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

No I did not place # 1 at TDC ...... would it be possible for me to bump the engine with the starter ?? Thanks

Ed------

First, remove the coil wire so the engine doesn't start. Then, you can have someone bump the engine around with the starter while you exert slight inward pressure on the rod. When the rod reaches its innermost point, you're done.

[Ed D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Thanks Joe !!!

[Robert K.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Ed,
After you do what Joe recommended, I have had success with applying some grease to the pushrods and then inserting it. The grease holds it up in place while you attach the fuel pump otherwise (in my experience), it tends to "fall out" while you're attaching the fuel pump!

Just something for you to consider......

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Ed,
After you do what Joe recommended, I have had success with applying some grease to the pushrods and then inserting it. The grease holds it up in place while you attach the fuel pump otherwise (in my experience), it tends to "fall out" while you're attaching the fuel pump!

Just something for you to consider......

Robert------


For a small block it's even easier. The upper front motor mount bolt hole goes through to the push rod channel. So, all one has to do is to remove the short bolt that otherwise seals this and insert a longer bolt that will hold the pushrod in position. I like to use a brass or nylon bolt so as not to "nick" the pushrod but a steel bolt will work if its installed carefully. Always remember to remove the long bolt and replace it with the short bolt(with sealer) after being done.

[Frank D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Robert------


For a small block it's even easier. The upper front motor mount bolt hole goes through to the push rod channel. So, all one has to do is to remove the short bolt that otherwise seals this and insert a longer bolt that will hold the pushrod in position. I like to use a brass or nylon bolt so as not to "nick" the pushrod but a steel bolt will work if its installed carefully. Always remember to remove the long bolt and replace it with the short bolt(with sealer) after being done.

That's my method as well....and its not absolutely required that the engine be precisely on TDC but that does make it easier for the install.

[Ed D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Thank You EVERYONE ! I have the push rod up in its channel. However, it is out about 1/4 inch from being totally recessed. Will it go up all the way ..... or is that about as good as I can expect ??????

[Frank D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

That should be enough to get the pump installed....remove the right front tire and working through the wheel arch position the pump and start the bolts and tighten evenly and in stages and you should feel the actuator arm spring resist as the pump is pulled in tighter to the block...

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

Thank You EVERYONE ! I have the push rod up in its channel. However, it is out about 1/4 inch from being totally recessed. Will it go up all the way ..... or is that about as good as I can expect ??????

Ed------

I agree with Frank; this is probably enough to get the fuel pump installed. However, it's really no big deal to have someone bump the engine around some more while pressing on the rod. When you feel it just start to come back outward again, stop. That will be fine for pump installation.

[Edward D.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

A word of caution. If you still have the flat adapter plate between the block and pump installed and are sticking your finger thru the opening under the rod bumping the engine with the starter you could easily break your finger as the rod comes down. If you have finger under the bottom of rod thru the adapter plate you should turn the engine slowly by hand with a 5/8 socket on the balancer bolt. Or, as others have mentioned you can simply bump it close to #1 TDC (timing mark on balancer visible behind tab and distributor rotor pointed forward towards passenger side) and then push your rod up and secure with the bolt from the front. Using the heavy grease trick pretty much requires you to remove the adapter plate so you can drop out the rod and apply the grease.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Fuel Pump Push Rod

A word of caution. If you still have the flat adapter plate between the block and pump installed and are sticking your finger thru the opening under the rod bumping the engine with the starter you could easily break your finger as the rod comes down. If you have finger under the bottom of rod thru the adapter plate you should turn the engine slowly by hand with a 5/8 socket on the balancer bolt. Or, as others have mentioned you can simply bump it close to #1 TDC (timing mark on balancer visible behind tab and distributor rotor pointed forward towards passenger side) and then push your rod up and secure with the bolt from the front. Using the heavy grease trick pretty much requires you to remove the adapter plate so you can drop out the rod and apply the grease.

Edward------


Yes, I should have mentioned that. However, from the photo I thought the plate was off. As I look at it more closely, though, I see the plate is still in place. It must be removed before doing the procedure I described. It should be removed, anyway, because after long service these things leak. The plate and block surface should be thoroughly cleaned and the plate re-installed with a new gasket and light coat of sealer.