1936 Plymouth P2

[bighammer48]

Hi Folks.

The fuel pump in my '36 blew out --- a victim of unleaded alcohol-containing fuel I guess. Anyhow, the old pump came out in 10 minutes. However, I struggled for 2 hours and couldn't even get a bolt started on the new pump, then gave up for the day. I turned the engine by hand off "high-cam" and still no luck. Anybody have any suggestions about changing an old flathead fuel pump in tight quarters. Also, I obtained a heat shield, but cannot figure out how it goes no matter how I position it.

[aero3113]

It should go on with a little bit of a struggle. The lever on the pump should move a little bit to help you install it(Can you move the lever?). Just make sure you are on the right spot on the cam.

[bighammer48]

I made sure the crank was at the low spot. Trouble is, there's no room to push against the spring whilst trying to finger-start the bolts.

thanks.

[1just4don]

can you start with slightly longer bolts with washers maybe that will start and pull spring tight,,,then switch one side at a time to the proper shorter ones while the other side holds it???

clear as mud? I never could explain whats in my head!!

[Plymouthy Adams]

clear as mud? I never could explain whats in my head!!

Charter can help....!! (are they still in business?)

[Reg Evans]

Have you compared the new pump to the old one. Not all flat 6 pumps are the same. If they are the same then 1just4Don's idea sounds like a good one.

[JoelOkie]

I removed and re-installed the fuel pump on the 36 Plymouth I bought a few weeks ago to clean it, and it IS indeed in a tight spot. I was able to get it back on after a few stabs at it.

[james49ply]

What I do is angle the pump so that you can start one bolt with ease, then rotate the pump to the spot for the second bolt, works like a charm, been using that proceedure since the 60's when i was line mechanic and all fuel pumps were on the engine block

[bighammer48]

Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions. The longer bolt idea worked very well for me.