SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1966 Shelby GT350/GT350H => Topic started by: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 06:56:35 PM

Title: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 06:56:35 PM
I have everything hooked up for a first start on the Shelby with the new pump, but wondering if there is any possibility of misaligning the fuel pump arm inside the housing. I pointed the arm down installing but it went in easy and the bolts lined up on the pump. I read something about an eccentric on a 302 engine bolted to the cam gear that doesn't allow the cam to fall out of place.  Maybe the cam is pointed away that allowed for such an easy install or is there something amiss? Any suggestions welcome.
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: TA Coupe on April 18, 2026, 08:35:23 PM
If the cam is in the up position, the pump will slide in fairly easily.. Sounds like you did it right and got lucky with a position of the cam upon install.

     Roy
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 09:59:32 PM
Quote from: TA Coupe on April 18, 2026, 08:35:23 PMIf the cam is in the up position, the pump will slide in fairly easily.. Sounds like you did it right and got lucky with a position of the cam upon install.

     Roy
Thanks Roy. Start up is tomorrow when the Permatex fuel resistant gasket maker has cured. If the float bowls are still not filling then the only thing it could be is a blocked fuel rail direct to carb.
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: Bob Gaines on April 18, 2026, 11:18:39 PM
Quote from: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 09:59:32 PM
Quote from: TA Coupe on April 18, 2026, 08:35:23 PMIf the cam is in the up position, the pump will slide in fairly easily.. Sounds like you did it right and got lucky with a position of the cam upon install.

     Roy
Thanks Roy. Start up is tomorrow when the Permatex fuel resistant gasket maker has cured. If the float bowls are still not filling then the only thing it could be is a blocked fuel rail direct to carb.
Don't forget about what I wrote about the gas cap. ;)
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 11:22:56 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on April 18, 2026, 11:18:39 PM
Quote from: deathsled on April 18, 2026, 09:59:32 PM
Quote from: TA Coupe on April 18, 2026, 08:35:23 PMIf the cam is in the up position, the pump will slide in fairly easily.. Sounds like you did it right and got lucky with a position of the cam upon install.

     Roy
Thanks Roy. Start up is tomorrow when the Permatex fuel resistant gasket maker has cured. If the float bowls are still not filling then the only thing it could be is a blocked fuel rail direct to carb.
Don't forget about what I wrote about the gas cap. ;)
Will not forget. Thanks Bob!
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 19, 2026, 09:30:04 PM
Turned out to be a bad fuel pump.  I have a couple of leaks, one around the rail to carburetor and the outlet fitting, but I will perform a redo using sealant thread to replace the Permatex gasket maker as recommended by Summit Racing.  I also bought an Autometer under-the-hood fuel pressure gauge (liquid in casing) to switch out the dead Aeromotive gauge. Ironically Autometer is located in Sycamore, Illinois, a not-to-far drive from me and they still make gauges in the US.  They have been around since 1957.  Thank you all for your help and suggestions!
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: TA Coupe on April 19, 2026, 09:53:58 PM
Be very careful when using any kind of sealant on fuel line fittings, as they can get loose and clog up jets or filters. Back in the dark ages, I used some Teflon sealer before I knew better and it ended up clogging a fuel filter and causing me a lot of trouble.

      Roy
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 20, 2026, 01:29:00 PM
Thanks for the advice, Roy. I am using thread sealant this time but I believe so long as I don't coat the first two or three threads at the beginning I should be safe. But hey, at least the problem was as at the fuel pump and was replaced. Makes me wonder how long it was failing. Also makes me wonder if I incorrectly blamed Pertronix for the car cutting out when it got hot when, instead, it was a failing fuel pump all along.
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: deathsled on April 20, 2026, 02:05:33 PM
Engine is a go.
Title: Re: Mechanical fuel pump install
Post by: 1175 on April 20, 2026, 07:28:07 PM
Great news!

Jon