Fuel Lift Pump Cam Lobe

[Jrlew87]

I replaced the fuel lift pump on my ‘88 7.3 non turbo as preventive maintenance. I tried to re-install it several times the correct way and I don’t think I’m doing it right. I have no pressure at the fuel filter and nothing coming out of the line at all. Is there some sort of trick to this that I’m overlooking? I’ve researched and know that you need to put the arm in at an angle and under the cam lobe but that appears to be very difficult; tight space, hard to leverage the lift arm and get the pump bolts on at the same time. Very frustrated, I just feel like this is a very straightforward job but it’s holding me up. Thanks in advance for your time guys.

 

[FrozenMerc]

No trick. See image below of the fuel pump installed into a mostly disassembled block. The fuel pump arm goes on the bottom side of the cam.

You may have the wrong pump, or a pump that is not working. Take the pump out and operate the arm manually with your finger over the inlet port, you should be able to feel air sucking into pump.

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[Olds64]

Whenever I install a mechanical fuel pump I angle the arm down so it's installed under the eccentric. x2 on double checking your mechanical fuel pump. They've been known to be bad in-the-box. Once you get it installed make sure you keep an eye on your oil level to ensure the mechanical fuel pump doesn't start pumping diesel into your crankcase.

 

[Jrlew87]

Thanks for the education snd advice so far guys. I really appreciate it.

UPDATE

I took out the pump and re-installed again. Im positive it’s on the cam lobe correctly. I’m getting slight pressure out of the fuel filter line from the pump, so I thinks it’s working. But I still do not get fuel from the pump to the filter.

I didn’t mess with anything before the pump….Could the selector switch or something be clogged??? I’m stumped.

I think my next diagnostic step is to eliminate the pump and try to pump fuel from a jug with some sort of diy manual or electric pump straight to the filter to see if that works.

 

[franklin2]

Pumping from a jug or can is a good test. You do have over a 1/4 tank of fuel in the tank you are pulling from? Most all these trucks have the broken shower head problem in the tank, and run out of fuel at just below 1/4 tank on the gauge.

 

[Jrlew87]

Pumping from a jug or can is a good test. You do have over a 1/4 tank of fuel in the tank you are pulling from? Most all these trucks have the broken shower head problem in the tank, and run out of fuel at just below 1/4 tank on the gauge.

Yea the tank is full. I thought if the pickup tube inside but I didn’t mess with anything besides the pump and now it won’t fire. Weirder things have happened I guess

 

[Olds64]

If it won't fire you can bleed the fuel filter. Only fuel should come out of the Schraeder valve while cranking. If it doesn't gush out in pulses while cranking your mechanical fuel pump may be bad from-the-box.

 

[Jrlew87]

If it won't fire you can bleed the fuel filter. Only fuel should come out of the Schraeder valve while cranking. If it doesn't gush out in pulses while cranking your mechanical fuel pump may be bad from-the-box.

I get almost nothing from the Schraeder valve while cranking. I even put the old pump that was working before and still get the same results

 

[Olds64]

You could get a rattle trap electric fuel pump from the parts store. Here's the one I have on my Bullnose truck.

40285N Facet Dura-Lift Fuel Pump from FuelPumper

40285N Facet Dura-Lift Fuel Pump (Replaces Facet 40285, NAPA/Balkamp 610-2009, Thermo King 41-7060, 417060). Original Equipment Quality Low Pressure Fuel Pumps

aftermark.net

Here's another well rated seller.

Facet Dura-Lift 12v Fuel Pump, 1/8 NPT, 9-11 psi, 120" lift | Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

The Facet 40222 Dura-Lift Fuel Pump can draw fuel from up to 10 feet away. Great replacement for the lift pump on 83-94 Ford diesel trucks and vans.

www.pegasusautoracing.com

Be aware that counterfeits exist. I wouldn't order one from Amazon.