Late 80s SBC fuel pump question

[thecutAK]

So i have a late 80s carbureted SBC, i want to put my mechanical fuel pump on it. Theres a hole for the pushrod and holes to mount the pump but the pushrod wont go in. Why? my uncle says ill need to run an electric fuel pump but i dont understand why there would be a pushrod hole if its not made for it to go in. Any thoughts? thanks

 

[84cutspreme]

Granted your cam has a spot for the pushrod on fuel pump, it should go right in. If it is on the lope right now pushrod won't go in all the way, turn motor over a little and see if goes then...otherwise your uncle may be right. I've never heard of an 80's chevy not having a mechanical fuel pump originally.

 

[86Cutlass383SR]

Here's a pic of the drivers side of the block but think pass side.



Notice there are 2 bolt holes, one above the other, just above the oil pan on the bottom of the block. The top bolt hole (on the pass side) should have a bolt in it. This bolt keeps pressurized oil from leaking out. It lubricates the fuel pump pushrod inside the block. Now, if that bolt is too long, it will keep the fuel pump push rod from entering far enough to meet the cam eccentric.

If you pull that bolt out and the fuel pump push rod goes all the way in, use that same bolt and LIGHTLY snug it against the push rod to hold it in place while you bolt the fuel pump on.

After the fuel pump is bolted on, remove that bolt! Replace it bolt with one about 1/2" long and coat the threads with silicone to keep it from seeping oil. If you leave that bolt out, you will quickly pump all your oil out of it.

 

[thecutAK]

Okay I put the pushrod in today but it didnt go in very easy. in fact i had to tap it in with a wrench as i couldnt push it in with my bare hands. Is that normal?

 

[84cutspreme]

yes that is bad, should go in easily. You should have to hold it in until plate goes on or it will fall out

 

[thecutAK]

well sh*t haha. How do u suppose i get it out then? Does this mean i shouldnt use a mechanical fuel pump

 

[86Cutlass383SR]

Did you check the bolt I mentioned above? As was mentioned, the pushrod should fall out, literally, without something to hold it in. It's a pain sometimes to keep the pushrod up far enough to get the pump bolted up. The bolt I mentioned will hold that pushrod up and allow the pump to be easily bolted up.

Something is very wrong if you have to forcibly push it in! Check that bolt ...

 

[84cutspreme]

I agree, if it's not that bolt...than you must have the wrong pushrod or something. I have not personally ever encountered a similar problem.

 

[thecutAK]

i beleive i did but ill double check later today

 

[jrm81bu]

What is this motor out of? Anything from the late 80's should have been tbi at least, unless it was some kind of big truck. The block may have the hole cast in, but there is a possibility that it was never machined if it wasn't intended to use a mechanical pump.