Trouble removing fuel pump in 69 RR 383

[GearAddict]

I got all set to put on a new Holley fuel pump today, started to remove the old stock fuel pump and got hung up....I can't seem for the life of me to get a socket on the inner fuel pump bolt. The sockets are hitting the head and skewing off just enough that it won't go on. In addition the body of the old pump is putting pressure up on the extension which is another challenge to solve if I can ever get anything on this bolt...suggestions? I'm amazed that it is this hard to solve.

I tried everything I could think of...wrenches, 12 point, 6 point, extra, no go.

 

[MoparBill]

Try a 1/4" drive socket

 

[HT413]

I never had an issue using a short 3/8" drive socket and a medium extension. Cant remember, maybe i put a U joint on the socket to get the extension at a better angle?

 

[Garys1969RR]

Tighten the front bolt up, and loosen the rear bolt first. This should move the angle of the fuel pump body forward enough to get a wrench/socket on the rear bolt. When you put it back together, use a bolt with a taller head and a washer. Then you will have more bolt head to catch on the socket.

 

[GearAddict]

Try a 1/4" drive socket

Just bought 9/16 1/4" drive from sears...no go

 

[bm02tj]

buy a cheap socket and grind it thinner then find better bolts to re install with smaller hex or allen head

 

[coloradodave]

And you tried the 1/4" drive socket with a universal joint as HT413 suggested? If that didn't work take a really sharp small chisel and hammer and smack the bolt a few times dead center to make a groove. Use a penetrating oil (I like Fluid Film from NAPA) and spray the area then let it sit. Whack the chisel a few more times then use a large screw driver to turn the bolt out, using the groove created with the chisel. Good luck and as has been said, when you replace it, use an allen bolt or a header bolt (3/8" head).

 

[Propwash]

Tighten the front bolt up, and loosen the rear bolt first. This should move the angle of the fuel pump body forward enough to get a wrench/socket on the rear bolt. When you put it back together, use a bolt with a taller head and a washer. Then you will have more bolt head to catch on the socket.

I agree...You could also flip your engine over (Coil disconnected) just a little bit so the fuel pump shaft isn't putting such a preload on the arm, causing a spring loaded effect while taking it out. On the replacement bolts, you could go with the ARP style bolts. They have a smaller tapered head vs standard thread size and will allow you to get in the with a smaller socket for install and future removal.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Tighten the front bolt up, and loosen the rear bolt first. This should move the angle of the fuel pump body forward enough to get a wrench/socket on the rear bolt. When you put it back together, use a bolt with a taller head and a washer. Then you will have more bolt head to catch on the socket.

This is a great suggestion and I suggest you try it. On similar problems I even tried different brand or condition of tools. Sometimes features vary slightly giving that extra advantage. Also metric tools can actually be useful!