Just to let you know, the fuel pump push rod is susceptible to wear also.

Many heartfelt thanks to all who helped me with this. I took your suggestions: moved the alternator out of the way, put grease on the rod, and pushed it back into place. Worked like a CHAMP! The fuel pump is now installed.

Also, I did change the oil like you all said to. It was in need so the timing was good, and as it turns out, you could SMELL gasoline in it.

So now I know that the fuel pump runs great, because the engine runs just fine when sucking gas out of a 5 gallon can....

But STILL won't pull any gas out of the tank. I guess I'm going to have to drop the tank, and replace it, along with the fuel lines, sending unit and pickup.

No rest for the weary...anyone have any suggestions on procedure for replacing the fuel tank?

empty the tank first,it can be heavy

try an air hose and blow back thru the line from pump to tank

check small rubber hose connections at the tank end of line

make sure you put the ground strap on the new one when it goes in