....getting around to putting the new fuel pump in my damn car (87 LG4).....when i pull the stocker out will the cam that drives the pump go limp and slide down or will it stay in place? cuz it looks like its gunna be a bitch if i have to hold the cam up while i slide the new pump in

 

Well, the cam won't move when you remove the mechanical pump. The the pump push rod (don't know the technical term for it) may or may not fall out when you unbolt the pump. I had to wiggle mine around for a few seconds to remove it (also in an '87 LG4).

- Justin

 

the pushrod is what im reffering too, sorry for the confusion.....would i be able to lift the rod back up using the tongue on the pump or will i have to hold it up wth my fingers? cuz the way im set up it looks like a really tight fit and might not be able to slid my hand around

 

When you pull the old pump out don't let the push rod slide all the way down to the edge of the block and you'll be fine. Yes you can use the pump to hold the rod in place while you bolt it up. Also it makes it easier if you push the two bolts through the pump and gasket before trying to install it on the engine

 

thanx for the input

 

On older small blocks there is a bolt in front of the fuel pump pushrod(on the front of the motor). Take this out. It is very short. Hold fuel pump rod in block snug against the cam. Place slightly longer bolt in the hole in front of block and finger tighten. this will hold fuel pump rod out of way while installing fuel pump. When done replace longer bolt with the original and your good to go. Hope this helps.

 

Like racecarfan said, there is a bolt that is designed to help hold that fuel pump pushrod up. However, on later smog engines that bolt is often used to mount..... I forget, I think it's the AIR pump bracket. In any case, it can probably still be removed temporarily and replaced with a longer bolt while you are R/R the fuel pump. It the 2nd bolt up from the bottom on the front on the engine, pass side.

The fuel pump pushrod won't fall out even if you don't stop it with this fuel pump "retaining bolt" trick. It'll just drop down until it hits the fuel pump adapter plate and stay there. You can grab it again with needle-nose pliers to scooch it up some, then with your other hand put a LONG regular screwdriver under it and push it back up. Then carefully wiggle the fuel pump lever arm behind it, pull the screwdriver out and then bolt the fuel pump on. That'll make a lot more sense when you're actually do it than it does just reading it.

IF you run into a situation where the fuel pump just doesn't want to get up close enough to the block for you to start the bolts in their threads then the fuel pump pushrod is up on the top of the cam eccentric. DON'T fight it and maybe cross-thread the bolts. Just bump the engine over a little with the starter to get it off the lobe and try again. It'll go on a lot easier after that.