Thread: mechanical fuel pump install 351

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Trying to help a friend 's on his 1983 F250 Ford pick up with 351 that just died on the road
no fuel in carb but plenty in the tank.

I poured a small shot of gas down the carb and it tried to run added more gas and it would run til the gas was used up.

Ok I said dead fuel pump so I ordered a new one and installed it in a major rain storm.
still it only will run on being primed.

Maybe I didn't get the new fuel pump's arm in the right position.

Does the pump arm have to be installed under the cam or what ever drives it?

It just slid in.

The tank was removed a couple of weeks ago maybe something is loose.

I'm going to have it towed to my shop so I can lift on the hoist to have a look, instead of laying in a mud puddle.

thanks for any spiritual advice
Hank

Yes, the pump arm needs to be pushed downwards as it is being installed. As you described above, sounds like this is not the case. Thankfully, on your application, it's not a difficult fix.

Now, with that said, make certain that there is at least half a tank of fuel, the fuel filter is fresh, and the truck is parked on a level surface, 30-90 seconds of turning the engine over while pouring a little fuel in the carb, or using starter fluid, should pull fuel through the l-o-n-g fuel line from the tank to the carb, and it should fire up and run on it's own.

Before you try, pop the gas cap off, then reinstall, strange, yes, I know, but trust me, it's a Ford truck thing.

Hope you find this helpful.

Bill S.

1983 Ford Truck with a 351, should be a Windsor. so the fuel pump runs on an eccentric at the front of the cam. It should have at least some pressure against it , even at the base circle, the arm should be in contact. Verify the fuel pump arm is exactly the same as the old one it could've been damaged in shipping - in addition to all the above advice.

Following on MRMUSTANG - is there a fuel filter at (or between) the pump and the carb? If so, change it and try again. Is it possible that there is a blockage in the line? Have you disconnected the line from the carb, placed a contained under the fuel line, and turned the engine over to see if fuel is getting to the carb?

Just throwing ideas out there....

thanks for the fast replies guys
I'm on it today out of the rain or snow
Hank

He could not get a tow today so I'm going back out to the mud puddle for another try tomorrow
I'm sure I did not push the pump in from the bottom and the arm must be over the cam eccentric
thanks for the help
Hank

Originally Posted by TOW'D

I'm sure I did not push the pump in from the bottom and the arm must be over the cam eccentric
thanks for the help
Hank

If that is so, lever over the eccentric.., check it carefully against the old one.. it may be bent in the wrong direction now. Good Luck and stay dry.

if you are able to install both bolts with ease then you are doing something wrong or something is wrong .. i always have to start the bolt next to the engine first then pry the pump into position to start the other bolt .. you will feel the pump arm resist your effort to line up the second bolt ..

below freezing today which meant it wasn't raining but blowing snow It runs
thanks for that last tip Hoss that was the way I installed it-- back bolt then pivoted the pump and got the other one in
thanks for the help guys
cheers
Hank

Good news you got it going again. Sorry it wasn't favorable weather tho!

It is great to learn something-- see old dogs can learn something

Just as I was finishing up the owner of the property came out and asked if we could move the truck as it blocked his view.

Originally Posted by TOW'D

Just as I was finishing up the owner of the property came out and asked if we could move the truck as it blocked his view.

There's no words! I've got nothing!

Originally Posted by 34_40

There's no words! I've got nothing!

Those were my thoughts too.
When the hood's open and people are leaning uncomfortably in to it, with rain running down their necks wouldn't you think they're not exactly doing it for fun?
There are people out there who failed even their idiot license.