How to Install Mechanical Fuel Pump in 1969-1988 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks Manual

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This video is about how to install a mechanical push rod driven style fuel pump. Airtex is committed to providing the most up-to-date, in-depth fuel pump replacement information that professional technicians need to diagnose, repair and install today's complex fuel delivery systems. Airtex is the only automotive aftermarket manufacturer in the United States that designs and builds electrical AND mechanical fuel pumps for a full range of car, truck, fleet and specialty vehicles.

[markmayo]

Regardless of what most people think, your best trick is the black tape securing the wobble socket to the extension AND keeping the socket from going limp. Outstanding!

[SeanCashMoneyMurphy]

I went from worried to do this repair to being almost completely confident in 2 minutes. Great video, thanks man!

[kristiandiaz]

I didn't have safety glasses or fire extinguisher available but after few tries and some cursing I was able to get the fuel pump installed 👍

[cagekicker]

Aside from the hacksaw blade trick, (which I've never tried) you can take out the bolt on the front of the block in line with the pushrod and insert one of the bolts you take out of the fuel pump. If you have the pump off and lift the rod up, you can tighten that bolt enough to catch the rod and hold it in place. Then you don't have to hold anything and try to put the pump in at the same time. There's already not much room to work in there with one hand, let alone two. Just an idea for those who may not want to or can sacrifice a hacksaw blade. Its actually why that hole is there.

[scotclark]

The hacksaw blade trick worked GREAT! Last time I did a pump was using the grease to hold the rod.
Had to remove the plate and grease the rod and then put back the plate to work quickly before the rod falls again. This hacksaw trick eliminates all that. My block didn't have the boss drilled and tapped to use a longer bolt to hold the rod.

[talleydragon]

You made this a breeze I wouldve been screwed if I hadnt watched the Hacksaw blade trick, THANKS!

[Richard_Biggs]

Thank you for demonstrating how to position the rod. This will be my first time installing one

[juniorhall]

Awesome video. You saved me much additional grief and frustration trying to find a way to hold the damn pushrod up out of the way on my 84 k20. That hacksaw blade trick works great!

[tonydeppe]

Just wanted to say thanks! I followed your procedure including the hack saw blade, worked like a charm. I did have a little trouble priming the new pump but figured it out. Great video and much appreciated.

[robertemmons]

At 1:22 you do not need any hacksaw blade or any type of metal to hold back the fuel pump pushrod. Just simply remove the bolt thats right on front of the block next to the fuel pump and screw in a longer bolt finger tight. That bolt hole is designed in place by the manufacturer just for that purpose. Once the new fuel pump is in place, simply remove your longer bolt and reinstall your original bolt. It helps to put a small dab of silicone on the threads to prevent oil leaks.

[noot]

I was about to attempt this blind. Didn't know you have to hold the push rod up with something. Thanks for making this video.

[kzooninja]

Just got a 79! She's gorgeous! Appreciate the videoe tons!!

[MLFranklin]

I love that hacksaw blade tip for holding the pushrod. A real time and mess saver compared to the packed grease method. You guys rock!

[jasonsolano]

There is a small bolt on the front of the block, GM only, its visible in the video (1:29), that you can temporarily replace with a longer one before you remove the pump.  that bolt will hold the rod up until you have installed the new pump. then you remove the longer bolt and re install the short bolt.  much easier than a hacksaw blade.

[stwhite]

Thank you. Appreciate the hacksaw blade tip. Great brief video. Short and sweet and to the point. Very professional.

[jimervin]

I've just replaced the original fuel pump on my '78 GMC pickup with the 350 engine. The truck has been rather hard to start for some time and required repeated pumping of the accelerator. My manual said that the fuel pump is the most likely cause and so, without any help to check it out, I replaced it. Regarding the push rod, I cranked the engine over with two touches of the key and found that the rod slides all the way back up into a hole. To do that, I applied heavy, long fibre grease to it and then grabbed the rod with curved needle nose pliers and pushed it up. It started to slide down, but slowly enough for me to get the pump arm under it first. Then I was able to bolt 'er up, starting with the right (easiest) bolt which I pre installed in the pump. Should probably have put the other one in the pump as well.

[smokeydabeecharlescoleman]

Can I use a stock fuel pump on the 1987 305 block ? It is factory blocked off, and I do not know if you have a open block off plate or if there is even a drive lobe on the cam .

[JoseinLA]

Thank You for The Hacksaw Blade Tip!!!

[nicknino]

Does hack saw blade work good for sure just dont want to start and have to struggle

[ednaheiman]

I just changed mine in a 66 cutlass it won’t start do I have to prime that pump or something? The car starts with starting fluid