SOMETIME AGO I REQUESTED INFO. ON A INSTALLING A FUEL PUMP IN A 302. AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO GET THE ENGINE TO (TDC). But again i need to ask how do i know when the engine is at (tdc). thanks.

 

302, Pull the first spark plug out of the passenger side of the engine.
Bump the engine over with a screw driver accross the solenoid with your finger over the spark plug hole.
When you feel air trying to blow your finger off of the hole.
Stick your screw driver in the hole and feel for the piston.
Pull the screw driver out, and continue to barely bump the motor. Each time you bump the motor, stick the screw driver back in the spark plug hole and feel for the piston. When that piston gets all the way to the top....it will be at top dead center.
Now, after having that long drawn out explination, let me tell you how to change the pump.
Leave the number one spark plug in the hole, don't bump any thing. There are times when you need top dead center (TDC). This is NOT one of them.
Take the fuel lines loose from the fuel pump. Take out the 2 bolts that hold it on. Remove it. Clean the area of the timing chain cover realy well being careful not to drop any pieces of gasket down in the hole. Put on the new pump with a new gasket. Tighten up the 2 bolts that held the pump on the timing chain cover. Replace the fuel lines.
Your looking at 20 minutes tops.
I have no clue what the TDC deal has to do with a fuel pump. I've changed fuel pumps on all sorts of Ford motors this way for years with no problems.
Doc
PS...Make sure to pull the coil wire off to prevent the engine from accidently starting as you bump it over.

 

Welp, you got to find the timing marks on the damper, and if they are rusty like mine were get some fine sandpaper or emery cloth or steel wool whatever and maybe some oil and clean it up and the marks will reveal themselves. You have a pointer on the left side of the block, line it up with the mark on the damper that reads ' TC ' and yer there. You don't need to do this to change a fuel pump, (I didn't) but it's easier. There are other ways to find TDC like above (I would use a plastic straw not a screwdriver) but if you ever plan on adjusting the timing you'll need to see those marks anyway. A cheapo Haynes manual would have showed you this too. Go get one, will save you time waiting for answers to simple stuff here.

 

I did not suggest looking at the timing marks on the harmonic balancer due to the fact that on the biggest majority of our trucks the timing marks are off.
That rubber in between the 2 metal pieces gives out and the out side moves to where it is no longer correct.
If you actualy reach in to the cylinder to see if the piston is up...you'll know for sure.
Along those lines, when you get the piston up, check your timing marks and see if yours is actualy correct. If it is, it will be a breeze to time it.
Doc.

 

I don't do this just to install a pump, I usually just undo the lines, then loosen the retaining bolts about 5 turns, then turn the engine until their is little to no pressure on the pump from the lever. This will make it easier to get the bolts started when putting the new one back onto the engine.

 

Doc,
The reason for putting the engine in TDC is to make it easier to ensure the cam lobe is in the right postion before putting the pump on. It helps prevent the arm from the pump going under the eccentric on the cam. Like you said, change the fuel pumps without going TDC, you just have to be careful....

Wasn't trying to call you out, just some FYI on why the manual sya to go TDC, that's all....

Mike

 

i actually have never thought about bringing it to TDC to change a pump...it makes sense though, when i put my pump on last week after i finished painting my motor, it was a SOB because i was having to push against the pump to get the bolts in....had i thought about turning the engine around it would have been alot easier........DUH!!........now i know for the next time......this should be put into the tips and tricks thread.......

 

Mike,
I'm just like off roader....I didn't use enough common sense to realize that turning the motor around would make life so much easier. I wasn't aware that you were the one that told him to find TDC. If I would have known you had told him, I would have realized there was probably a realy good reason for it. I honestly never took time to think about that one. To be honest, I never looked at a manual on changing a fuel pump, I just throwed one on and forgot about it. I also agree with off roader, that this is definately something that should be in tips and tricks. Please accept my apologies.
Mike

 

none needed Doc...I changed them all the time with out any manuals, then I found out if you have the motor at TDC, then the cam eccentric is in the right place and the pump goes right on.....

 

Doc,

Would you have time to finish up our chat on AC in my Ranger?

G Guess

 

Mike,
It's a great idea that I had never heard of, but you can bet next time I address the fuel pump in mine I will certainly put it in to practice. If it's not too much trouble, post this over at tips and tricks to help out other hard heads like my self.
G, I'm on the way.
Mike

 

Will do.....

 

I noticed it's already there....reputation points are in route. Thanks a bunch for the information Mike.

 

i posted this in the original thread about the 302 fuel pump about putting the engine on tdc . i found this out the hard way and after i stripped the bolt holes in my timing cover

 

Looks like everyone has heard of this except me.
I guess I need to be called mushroom instead of Doc, cause it's obvious I'm in the dark.
Doc