Fuel pump push rod HELP

[LannyL81]

Okay, went to change out my non-working fuel pump this morning and when I got it off I found out why I had no fuel.

Seems the push rod has wedged itself between the crank and the side of the block where that plate is under the fuel pump.

Sooo...no problem right....just take off that plate...!!??

Can't get the plate off.....HOW does that plate come off?????

I assume that the push rod has become worn and it finally slipped out between the fuel pump leve and the crank and wedged itself. I tried cranking the engine and watched to see if it moved....but nothing.

Thanks,
LannyL81
St. Louis built:confused

 

[mikejpss]

Lanny- the plate is held in place by the 2 bolts thru the fuel pump, and 2 bolts that are higher in elevation than the first 2. There are 4 bolts total- I'm going on memory here, (and I have been drinking beer since noon).
Have never heard of this problem b4. Can anyone tell us the reason this happened? Bad pushrod, crank,???????
When you get it done and ready to go back, shoot me an email for a simple way to hold the pushrod in the "up" position while you replace the fuel pump. Mike J.

 

[cntrhub]

Now the big problem might be... the cam lobe on the cam itself has flattened, because of wear or other unknown damage? When you remove the push rod, take a look at that cam end and see what damage (if any) has occurred? If that cam lobe is history, you will have to replace the cam. A loophole around this would be to cover the pump hole with plate of flat stock. You can get one of these in chrome to cover the hole. Then... switch over to an electric fuel pump.
Remember, if you do have a flat fuel pump cam lobe, that metal is sitting on the bottom of the pan, just waiting to mix with the oil and go through the oil pump blades, crank bearings and all the other parts that need oil pressure. Oil splash (piston skirts) can also contaminate moving parts too.

 

[LannyL81]

I knew about the two smaller bolts that are supposed to holding the adapter plate on...removed them...and was expecting the plate to come off....but it didn't and thats what I do not understand??

Previous owner must have used glue or something!!!!

I hope it's not a worn cam lobe....but mileage on the engine is unknown...car has 134k

Oh and I know about the longer bolt to hold the push rod tip. In fact I found this bolt loose and half-way out..which probably explains some of the oil mess on the front of the engine.

I even took the bolt all the way out just in case it was causing the problem somehow.

Later,
Lanny
St Louis built car
Tucson, AZ