fuel pump push rod

[wilky70]

I have a 1970 440. If it sits for more than 2 days it won't start without pouring a small amount of fuel down the carb. I suspected that maybe the fuel pump was bad but I ordered a Howards push rod at the same time just in case. I removed the push rod today and found this. The last owner had not been using oil with zinc. Do you think the lobe on the camshaft has also been worn down?

 

[dadsbee]

That Howard push rod will do the same thing in short order and I bet that worn thing isn't OE either, I've never seen one chewed up like that. Post a Want To Buy for an OE push rod.

 

[T2R9]

I would not use that Howard’s push rod. Had one leave me on the side of the road.

 

[Car #4]

I went through the same thing last year. I was lucky enough to fine an OEM one. I recall in my research reading that Howard's were junk. I think Mancini and 440 Source both claim to have good ones but an OEM would be best if you can find one. I put the new one in and the engine has run fine ever since so I feel there was no cam damage. I run zinc all the time but I think the problem comes from poor steel in some of these aftermarket ones. Make sure you change your oil, those grindings are in there somewhere.

 

[dfrazz]

The brass tip rods seem to work better for me - MRE - Roller Cam Fuel Pump Pushrod - Brass Tip

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Where’d the metal go? In the oil?

 

[wilky70]

Where’d the metal go? In the oil?

Yes, unfortunately.

 

[wilky70]

The brass tip rods seem to work better for me - MRE - Roller Cam Fuel Pump Pushrod - Brass Tip

Thank you.

 

[wilky70]

What about a Comp Cams 4626

 

[DanielSlocum]

Iv had this happen twice when using high volume fuel pumps which have a stiffer return spring in them. Cam was not hurt either time. Using a hardened rod solved the problem. It was 20 years ago,and i think i used the Comp. Never seen it happen with a std volume pump. Have seen the cheap std pump put a 450 hp 440 in a 3900# B-body in the mid 12s at 109 mph in the 1/4 mile recently. Good luck.

 

[Charlie Brown]

I had the same thing happen with both my cars - one a 426W and the other a 413. Both push rods were OEM. Coincidently, both cars had Carter HV pumps. Some research suggested that the Cater pump pressure spring was to strong. I tested the fuel pressure and found them both to be over 9 lbs of pressure. I rebuilt the pumps using kits from Then and Now company. All good today. Something to look at.

 

[wilky70]

Thank you for all the advice. I have owned the car for less than a year, it has a newer looking stock style pump on it but who knows what was on it before I purchased it. I won't use the Howards push rod. I have ordered a Comp Cam chrome moly push rod that seems to get good reviews.

 

[kiwigtx]

Do you think the lobe on the camshaft has also been worn down?

That happened to me about 20 years ago, and the camshaft fuel eccentric was screwed.

I had the cam rebuilt on that lobe and all was well after that....with a new pushrod.

 

[Some Car Guy]

I asked ARP to make one from high grade material. They never responded. Filled out the form on their page for requesting parts.

Maybe if a bunch of people would ask for them they would. This is one part I think the hobby is in dire need of. I know people like to run electric pumps, but not all do and not all applications need such.

 

[Mike meeks]

Had the same thing happen with 2 Holley 110gpm pumps, the springs are way to stiff. I took the pump off my street car and discovered the pump body was cracked. You used to be able to squeeze the pump in your hands, but not with these pumps. I had a carter bolt together rebuilt by Egge and it hasn't broken yet, spring pressure is less

 

[67RTblue]

Went through the same thing. Engine total rebuild by a buddy and don’t know if that was the original or replacement. Had maybe a 1000 miles or less and it was dying at idle. Beat my brain figuring it out. I too hoped the lobe was ok. Been good since and another 2-3K miles. One of the replacements was a tight fit and almost got it stuck in the block!

 

[road]

Have

I have a 1970 440. If it sits for more than 2 days it won't start without pouring a small amount of fuel down the carb. I suspected that maybe the fuel pump was bad but I ordered a Howards push rod at the same time just in case. I removed the push rod today and found this. The last owner had not been using oil with zinc. Do you think the lobe on the camshaft has also been worn down?

View attachment 1988967

View attachment 1988968

View attachment 1988971

Have one just llike that. Didn't last very long. Dont recall who I purchased it from when engine rebuilt..

 

[Bee1971]

Note to self

Scour swap meets this summer looking for factory used fuel pump pushrods

Is that the consensus