Could certainly use some assistance on a Fuel Pump Issue. Its Kind of a long story but here are the details. I have a 66 Charger with a 383 motor. Im trying to start the car. It been sitting for 5-6 years. I Installed a new tank, lines, and a Pump. When I turn it over im getting No fuel coming out of the pump. I checked the plunger on the pump Its getting only a small amount of movement. Best I can tell when Im turning over the motor the rod is moving about 1/4 to 3/8" I figured I would try and pull out the plunger rod and measure the length on it. From what I understand they are supposed to be 3.25" This is where I having a problem the rod does not want to slide out of the plugged access hole. Has anyone else ever had this issue? Any suggestions on how to extract the rod?

i would pull the dizzy and look down there and see whats up.

This is a really common event on 383s. The fuel pump pushrod wears down.

Can you remove it with a piece of wire and gob of chewing gum? A magnet?

R.

I was able to finess it out with the telescoping magnet and a pair of hospital forcepts. I measured the pushrod and it is only 3.21". I have heard they are 3.25 new is this correct? Can't seem to find one instock at my parts stores. They all need to order them. Does that .04 make a difference in the operation of the fuel pump or is it the cam lobe is worn down.

I agree...a repop pushrod went bad on my hemi & wiped the cam lobe,
too. I also installed an original w/ hardened tip on my 383 mag & no
problems...yet.

That worked out good. I was expecting you might have to cut it in two to take half of it out on the inside which would not be fun. There's NOS ones on eBay for $18.95 +$5 shipping. I'm wondering if all the NOS MP ones are fine?

If mushroomed just forget it leave it in there--pull the pump, cover the opening and go electric--be riding in an afternoon with no hassle--way too much trouble to get a "shroomed" one out.

I have the original motor for the car on an engine stand and pulled that rod out. It basically fell out when i took off the access cap.
This pin is 3.22 long. Im going to measure the pin travel in both blocks using a dial caliper if I can.

The pin out of the 71 block looks to have some wear on the end where as the one in my original motor is smooth and dont those pin spin as they go up and down to keep the from wearing to quickly?

Does any know for sure what a new pin lenght is???

Have you verified that the pump functions correctly? A few years back I put a new fuel pump on my 383 and then couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting any fuel. Eventually we figured out that the pump was set up backwards, it pumped on the suction side and sucked on the discharge side. Took it back to the parts store for a replacement and the motor fired right up. Never would have believed it if I didn't experience it myself. Just another thing to check.

I am going to say that .040 is not enough to prevent all fuel flow.

Quick check, be sure the fuel will come out of the line to the tank, a rag with an air gun to give it quick blast of air into the tank will put a bit of pressure on it, and fuel should flow out of the line to the pump..
Test the pump manually by moving the arm, it should squirt a couple of feet.
If all that is good, reassemble and loosen the line to the carb, check for fuel./ stuck float.. I just had a to start a car that was sitting for 10 years, couldnt get fuel in the engine, the float was stuck.
Last possible thing is the cam can be worn out, not moving the arm.
.

Thanks guys I reordered a replacement pump and my new rushrod will arrive today off ebay hopefully. When I got the pin out it was slightly bent and shows signs of wear on the cam end. Dont these rods rotate as they go up and down to avoid the wear?. Being it was bent it couldn't rotate, I can see what looks like signs that they spin on my spare one. still doesnt explain the lack of pumping fuel??? I pulled the dist and dont see any wear on the cam to the best of my knowledge, it looks like my other 383 cam in my original block. Will post my results this afternoon.....

That push rod is 3/8" in diameter,can't imagine it being bent,I'd take a good look at everything if it is.

I was surprized too but when you rolled it on a flat surface real slow you could see it. Even the shaft had shinny spots opposing each side.

New pin and pump installed and now it shoots fuel out of the pump when I turn it over.. putting everything back together hope to have it running tonight.

Thanks for everyones help this has been strange for something so simple.....

She runs. Fired right off. 'This engine was a litlle noisy at startup but settled down quickly. Ive got a few oil leaks to fix mainly valve covers, and a noisy throw out bearing. I did roll it out of the carport on its own power and will take it for a spin tomorrow it was raining tonight really good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg5GZDFR1zc