fuel pump push rod hole and electic fuel pump

[Bomar89]

I am switching to a electric fuel pump and i was wondering if i want to eliminate mechanical fuel pump and push rod all together. I have a block off plate but i was curious what i should do with that hole where the push rod used to go. Should i leave it or should i cap it off? If so how do i cap it off thank you in advance for all input.

[Ken/Alabama]

What year engine?? If it's pre 49 you can just remove the rod. Or you can cut about an inch off the bottom of the rod so it doesn't reach the cam . 49-53 has a tiny oil hole in the bushing. You can cut the rod off but you'll need to weld a stop on it . They don't have the umbrella like the early ones.

[JSeery]

I felt is was easy enough to make and install a plug that I just go ahead and installed one. It needs to be long enough to cover the oil hole in the side.

[chap52]

I also plugged the hole. I tapped the hole and inserted a bolt using a liquid locker on the threads. Twelve years later it was still fine. Chap

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by chap52

I also plugged the hole. I tapped the hole and inserted a bolt using a liquid locker on the threads. Twelve years later it was still fine. Chap

If the bushing is in there it is really hard metal! Would guess you would have to drive the bushing out. On mine I just make it a tight press fit and drive them in.

[Shoebox]

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FWIW, Flathead Jack offers a machined little button for this purpose.

[adileo]

When I switched to electric on my 39, ol Ron said just leave the rod in. It’s been over two years no issues

[1931 flamingo]

I have to jump in here (sorry). What elec pump are you using as I want (need) to add one to my 40, still 6Volt??
Paul in CT

[Ford Freak]

Hey guys ! Must you plug the hole ? What happens if you don't plug the hole ? - F F

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Hey guys ! Must you plug the hole ? What happens if you don't plug the hole ? - F F

No , nothing will happen but the bushing is a must. If it's a 49-53 the bushing has a tiny hole so you might see a small decrease in pressure. I've ran them plenty of times without a rod.

[KGS]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

No , nothing will happen but the bushing is a must. If it's a 49-53 the bushing has a tiny hole so you might see a small decrease in pressure. I've ran them plenty of times without a rod.

If you have a '48 8BA truck engine or an early '49 car or truck 8BA engine, it probably does not have a bushing and there is a fairly large opening for the oil to lube the fuel pump push rod. The fuel pump push rod for these engines is thicker than the rod for the later engines. If you remove the rod you will degrade your oil pressure. My solution was to plug the hole with a shortened rod with a washer screwed to the top of the rod and use that to fill the hole and cover the oil port.

[grumppyoldman]

They are available at Mac's, O Rileys and Advanced Auto Parts for 6 volt systems. Al

[big job]

Just leave the push rod in there. Won't hurt a thing. That's what I did, one of my trucks
with a 337cid fuel pumps for those are big bucks. If concerned just put a mini clamp on the push rod so its above the cam lobe... .This only applys to 8BAs that has an oil hole
in the rod bushing so you could lose some oil pressure so leave it in there......

[Krylon32]

I plugged the hole with a small expansion plug in my last couple flatheads.

[19Fordy]

I removed the push rod, didn't remove the bushing and did this to my 8BA. No drop in oil pressure. See Post #18 here.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...+pump+push+rod

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Ken/Alabama

No , nothing will happen but the bushing is a must. If it's a 49-53 the bushing has a tiny hole so you might see a small decrease in pressure. I've ran them plenty of times without a rod.

If you install that bushing 1/4 out... well all solved. Bushing has a hole pre 49 too

[rotorwrench]

For the 8BA engines, all a person needs is a bolt with the correct shank diameter and just long enough to go past the squirt hole a ways. Just get one with a long enough shank, cut the threaded end off, and lathe it to the correct clearance. Drop it in and your done. The engine would have to be upside down for it to fall out and it will block the squirt hole as well as the push rod did.

At least this way, it makes it easier to switch back if you want.

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by Tinker

If you install that bushing 1/4 out... well all solved. Bushing has a hole pre 49 too

Learn something new everyday I guess. I've never seen a pre 49 bushing with an oil hole.

[flatjack9]

Nor have I.

[Tinker]

doh... momentary brainfart. Apologies on my part.












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