Fuel pump fiasco

[d9103365]

Im trying to change the fuel pump on my 77 doba with 400 engine. There are two bolts holding it in and the one on the Inside closest to the engine seems almost impossible to get to. Any advice or special tools? This bolt Is delaying what would otherwise be a simple job.

 

[70rr-brian]

I use a ratcheting wrench and take baby steps. Once loose enough can usually get a finger in there to roll it off. But yeah, its a pain in the ***. If you got big fingers get someone with piano fingers to help.

 

[dave5237]

I use a 1/4 inch ratchet since it is smaller with a extension which once again is smaller diameter on the extension. They don't need to be overtightened so the 1/4 ratchet works for me

 

[d9103365]

Can't git the pump in

No matter now I twist it, I can't seem to position the pump correctly. Is there a trick to this?

 

[Big Jim]

Take out the pipe plug under the pump (on the block), hold up the fuel pump pushrod with a small screwdriver and slip the pump arm under it. If you don't get the pump arm under it, you'll never get the pump to bolt up. Or if you don't want to remove the pipe plug, smear a dab of heavy grease on the pushrod to hold it in place- but it won't stay up for long so be ready with the pump/gasket and 1 bolt to hold it in place.