Bent fuel pump push rod!

[Donnie Durbin]

I just recently tried to install a new mechanical fuel pump on my 7.4 Bravo. 1990 Sea Ray Cruiser. I accidently bent the push rod and it is stuck. Is there a way to extract it without removing the intake manifold or head?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

The only way the fuel pump rod comes out is thru the casting where the pump mounts.
How could you possably bend a 1/2 in. steel rod?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Probably put the fuel pump in the hole but didn't have the eccentric in the down position so the actuator slipped above and the bolts were then cranked down, thats the only way I can imagine that kind of damage. Can you give some more details.

 

[Donnie Durbin]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

I didnt realize the rod was down when I tried to install the pump. When I felt it bind I took it back off and then realized it was down. I pushed it up with a screwdriver and felt it get tight. There is a plug at the bottom of the jacket where it would come out, but it seams to be 5/16 female drive plug. But I still have pull the rod down. I guess I can try a small pair of needle nose vise grips.
If I cant get it out I guess I will install an electric pump.

 

[Donnie Durbin]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Anyone have any ideas how to get it out?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Did you try and start the engine? If so, you did more damage than just bending a 1/2 inch diameter hardened steel rod. Among those -- the eccentric -- front cam bearing -- cam itself!!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Remove the plate under the fuel pump. That will give you room to access the rod.

 

[full stringer]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Anyone have any ideas how to get it out?

i would have to see it but maybe a strong enough magnet?? good luck youll get it have patience

 

[John_S]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

I didnt realize the rod was down when I tried to install the pump. When I felt it bind I took it back off and then realized it was down. I pushed it up with a screwdriver and felt it get tight. There is a plug at the bottom of the jacket where it would come out, but it seams to be 5/16 female drive plug. But I still have pull the rod down. I guess I can try a small pair of needle nose vise grips.
If I cant get it out I guess I will install an electric pump.

OK, it sounds like you bent it by side loading the fuel pump against it. If you still can't get enough access via Don's suggestion, consider this. Given it was only slightly jammed in there when you pushed it up with the screwdriver, it should not take much force to remove. Try turning engine over very slowly by hand. The cam lobe should free it up. If you get allot of resistance, something else is happening.

It was jammed with a 10' screwdriver or maybe a bolt is side loaded against the pump rod. I don't know BB so can't say if there is a bolt passage where a too long of bolt, etc could cause that.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Remove the plate under the fuel pump. That will give you room to access the rod.

Big-blocks don't have that plate, rod is inserted thru a hole below pump and sealed via pipe plug

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Big-blocks don't have that plate, rod is inserted thru a hole below pump and sealed via pipe plug

Correct,

I too would rotate the engine over by hand (plugs out etc if you need to), then use small vise grips/needle-nose to pull down and then out through the plug hole. If you can't get the grip with pliers you may attempt to notch/drill etc a chisel area so you can tap it out via the pump/oval hole.

As you mentioned however, if all else fails, rotate by hand to get the rod away from the cam lobe then install a plate over the mech pump hole. Install an electrical pump after that. You wouldn't be the first.

Use patients over muscle!

Best of luck

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Did you try and start the engine? If so, you did more damage than just bending a 1/2 inch diameter hardened steel rod. Among those -- the eccentric -- front cam bearing -- cam itself!!!!

Highly unlikely - however, I have never seen one of those rods bend to begin with..

 

[Don S]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

Big-blocks don't have that plate, rod is inserted thru a hole below pump and sealed via pipe plug

True, somehow I decided he had a small block. That's what happens when you you don't pay attention :redface:

 

[Donnie Durbin]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

I purchased some 4 and 6 inch needle nose vise grips today. I think I will take and grind each side of the rod with a dremel tool for the vise grips to have something to grap and pry down with a small pry bar.

 

[Donnie Durbin]

Re: Bent fuel pump push rod!

That took care of it. Got the boat running. Now the out drive locked up.