silly sbc quershin?

[jalopy43]

I have recently installed a '91 sbc block in my '71 Truck. I am using the '71 Q-jet manifold and carb. The block had the bolt holes and hole for the fuel pump pushrod. I put a mechanical fuel pump on,but I am not getting fuel to the carb. Do I need a specific length pushrod? Thanks , Glenn

[tommy]

Did you check the cam to see if it had the lobe for the pump?

[jalopy43]

I peeked through the hole,and saw shiney metal,but I dont know if it was a lobe of the cam. I am going to take the fuel pump off and with the engine running,see it the lobe is eccentric,by sticking a screwdriver in there. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I just may have to put an electric pump on! Thanks Glenn

[Rocky]

I don't think I'd do that Glenn. The cam might just eat your screwdriver if it gets wedged in between the cam and block....maybe I'm too careful but with my luck, I'd snap off a screwdriver, bust the front of the cam off and maybe even lose an eye.
Why not just remove the fuel pump and coil wire, push the pushrod up against the cam with your finger and turn the engine over a little?

[porknbeaner]

I'm with Rockey
I might even leave the pushrod in and put my finger against it then have someone turn the motor over with a rachet or breakover bar.
Maybe you just got a crap pump? The pushrods are all the same length.

[Bruce Lancaster]

Also, the roller cam might well want a special pushrod because of its hardness. Crane makes this, and there is likely a GM one from some mid eighties application. GM also has distributor gears in both sizes designed for roller cam compatibility with a special surface treatment.
The special rod is likely a case of excessive caution, but at least it's a cheap one.
All the SBC rollers I have seen seem to have the pump load, even on a couple LT-1 types. but I don't know if these lobes are actually fully finished for actual use.

[jalopy43]

Ok thanks Safty first I guess! Well I'm off to the Gee radge!

[jalopy43]

Well, the pushrod ain't moving! Could I leave the stock pump on and will an electric pump push through it?? Glenn

[dubie]

Your cam won't have a lobe for that kind of pump.
I would just remove the mechanical pump and rod, cap the hole and run an electric pump like the engine was built for. I have a 67 GMC and used an 82, 350, but it was still made for a mechanical pump.

[Hot Rod To Hell]

from a siplicity standpoint, remove the mech pump and put on a block off plate... if you want the "look" of the mech pump, I have heard of people takin the guts out putting the "shell" on the motor, but I have never done it personally.

[jalopy43]

ummmmm...ok Block off plate, and electric. Thanks Glenn

[choprods]

Only reason Id say not to use a mech pump with an electric pump pushing throught it would be the possibility of the fuel getting in crankcase as it does when some mechanical pumps fail.

[BELLM]

Don't know what kind of distributor you are using but if you are using anything but the one that came on the 91 enginge change the distributor gear to one that is compatible with the roller cam.

[jalopy43]

Im using a bronze gear,it should wear well on the cam. Should I wire the fuel pump to the ignition? Some have suggested that the hot lead to the pump should be wired in series with an oil pressure switch.That way if the pump would run only when the engine is on. What about starting,if the fuel bowl is dry? Thanks Glenn