Got a 1971 Cutlass 350 with AC, and replacing the fuel pump in the car. I am having trouble getting it to seat all the way in. you have to kind of snake it in there, behind the ac bracket (I did remove the lower radiator hose.). I did this 10 years ago and do not remember it being this hard to align up. I recall, I think on Chevy's you sometimes have to bump the engine to get the rod to hit the cam just right. I did not think you had to do that on Olds. The rod lever is pretty much in the same position that was on the old one.

Any tricks I am missing ? (I did not bump the engine, and retry it)

thanks much,

Pat

 

You just answered your own question. The fuel pump rides on an eccentric at the front of the came. It could be on the high spot or the low spot, or somewhere in between. Obviously if it's on the high spot, you will need to press a LOT harder on the pump to compress the internal spring when installing it. Turning the crank will eventually put the pump arm on the low spot of the eccentric, which reduces the force required. Hint: there will ALWAYS be some spring resistance. Eat your Wheaties.