OK, not a mechanic, using a Chiltons manual. I can't get to one of the 2 bolts holding the fuel pump on since the oil sending unit is in the way. How do I get the oil sending unit off? Is it the little nut at the top of the unit where the wire plugs on?

 

you must make sure when installing the pump the enigne is at TDC. the oil sender should not have to be touched.

 

What is TDC and how do I do that? Thebolt is right next to the sending unit and I can't get a socket into the space to remove the 2nd bolt

 

well if it is that tight you may have to pull the sender. the harmonic balancer is marked TDC rotate the crank until the pointer is pointing at TDC.

 

Ok I'll figure out TDC with your advice. How do you pull the oil sending unit. I put a socket on it and it hits the engine and won't spin anymore. Do you have to take the top off first?

 

Top dead center is when piston #1 is at the top of it's compression stroke with both valves closed. The Timing mark on the harmonic balancer will be near the 0 degree timing mark. I say near, because your timing will probably be at 10 degrees or so before top dead center. It is at this point that the distributor will fire the plug on the #1 cly........

To find top dead center, find the #1 cly.......follow the plug wire back to the distributor......remove the plug and the distributor cap. Rotate the engine until the rotor button is aligned with the #1 position on the distributor cap and the timing mark is near 0 degrees. If you insert a small wooden dowel during the process and rotate the engine slowly you will see the dowel rise as the piston rises. This will get you close to top dead center and for what your going to be doing this will be close enough. Exact top dead center would be found by using a dial indicator which would show the point that the piston reaches the top of it's stroke with the valves closed. You would need this exact top dead center if you wanted to degree a camshaft possibly replacing the time chain and gears.

As for removing the oil sending unit, try an open end wrench. Ususally there is a nut on the rear of the casting. I'd buy a new one as there cheap and if it gives you to much trouble use vice grips and turn it out......It may be easier to get to if you remove the power steering pump, but you should be able to di the job without removing it.......some times I remove stuff just to get it out of the way and make cleaning the old gasket off easier.......

What makes a good mechanic is experience.......you have the desire to replace the fuel pump so just keep working at it and you'll get it.......you'll also gain experience in the process.......

Hope this helps you.....good luck and have fun......don't get frustrated.....

The fuel pump is worked by a lobe on the front of the camshaft driving the arm of the fuel pump, and by setting the engine at top dead center it is easier to replace the pump as the pump arm can be inserted without tension on the fuel pump.

 

You may have to get the "special" socket that is made for removing the oil sender unit. It looks like reg socket until closely examined. It fits on the big part of oil sender with odd shape.

 

Thanx for all the advice. Patience and a big hammer (LOL) ought to do the trick!

 

I got the fuel pump replaced and did learn a few things. Thanx for the help!