Help with lift pump install.

[Erik Jenkinson]

I removed my leaking fuel lift pump and mounting plate. I have a direct replacement, that should fit without issue, but when I removed the mounting plate, the rod fell right out. It wasn't damaged, so I just greased it to hold it in place and reinserted it, and reinstalled the mounting plate. Now the rod cannot be pushed into the engine far enough to have clearance for the armature on the lift pump to slide in behind it. Do I just need to turn the motor a bit to find the "low spot"? The reason I ask is because I saw on Hillbilly Wizards website he mentions to not allow the rod to fall out? what could even happen if it does? Can I turn the engine from the crank bolt without issue if that's the solution?

 

[deank]

Yes. Turn to find the low spot. It will still be a challenge to apply pressure on the pump and get the bolts started.

 

[Barrman]

If you turn the engine with one hand while pushing on the rod with the other. You will feel the low spot easily. Use grease as you mentioned to hold it in.

The grease should hold it long enough for you to put the plate on with the 2 small screws. If the rod falls, use more grease. Think “Sticky Bomb.” Then get the pump arm behind the rod and the 2 big bolts started. I like to get the metal fuel line started at this point. Then tighten the 4 bolts, put on the fuel hose, tighten the fuel pipe, pull the pink wire from the injection pump and turn it over until until you get all the air out at the filter. Hook up the pink wire and drive happy.