Bottoms

So the new pump is engaging the cam and needs alot of force to get it to sit flush against block so i can line up the hardware to lock it down. It's a bit to much for me to hold with one hand and search for holes with the other. Would one normally advance the cam that drives fuel pump for ease or is this one of those curse and knuckle bust till you get it things

joe_padavano

You need to press on the pump to compress the internal spring. Apparently you lucked out and the pump cam is exactly in the position that requires maximum compression of the pump. Alternately, rotate the crank about one turn and you should be on the low point of the pump cam.

Bottoms

OK. That leads to my next question- I've never rotated the crank before- Can you describe the process? It is something i was planning to do as well with a little mystery oil in the spark plug holes before I got to actually starting the car. Do I need a giant socket to fit over the nut that is in the center of the bottom pulley? BTW- I can't thank you enough for your knowledge- i would not be able to brig this car back without this great knowledge.

Summerof84

If the plugs are out, you can pull on a fan belt and it will turn. No belts? Then a socket on the crank bolt will do it.

Bottoms

do you know off hand what size socket that is?

cutlass1972s

1 1/8

Oldsguy

And a long breaker bar will help, 1/2 drive is better.

Olds64

You could also move the engine using the starter. Just remove the coil wire and kick the starter motor over to move the engine a bit.

stan 65 cutlass

dont fuel pumps have one opened up mounting hole to make installing them easier when theyr being pushed back out?

Summerof84

Yep. One side is a hole, the other an open ended slot.

Bottoms

To rotate the crank by hand- is it clockwise or counter on the socket on the crank bolt- or does it matter?

69 Ragtop

You can move it either way, but counterclockwise may loosen it. If so, re-torque it when you're done. (Stated another way, try going clockwise so you don't have to re-torque it.)

svnt442

And it makes it easier if you take the spark plugs out.

gearheads78

just bump the starter a couple times

71 Cutlass

I just bump the motor over until I can get the fuel pump to go in. Takes 30 seconds.

MDchanic

Okay, here's what you do:
Measure the actual circumference of your rear tires and check your rear end ratio.
Calculate the number of feet-per-revolution in 4th gear.
Mark out a course and have a buddy push your car along it for a distance of one revolution.
Walk alongside the car, pushing the fuel pump into the hole as your buddy pushes it.
Be sure to have both bolts ready in your hand.



- Eric

svnt442

Oh boy......