Fuel pump install

[Cracoliciadam]

I am about to install a new mechanical fuel pump in a 79’ spider.
Was wondering if there’s any tricks I need To know before just pulling the old and putting the new in.
Thank you in advance.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Nope, other than learning some new Italian swear words due to the lack of space around the fuel pump, and replacing any suspect fuel hoses or fuel filters, you should be good.

-Bryan

[Cracoliciadam]

Awesome!
So the pulleys don’t have to be in a certain position or anything? I saw Something about auxiliary pulley Pointer having to be at the “7 o’clock”
That’s why I figured I’d ask before proceeding

[18Fiatsandcounting]

So the pulleys don’t have to be in a certain position or anything? I saw Something about auxiliary pulley Pointer having to be at the “7 o’clock”

I have not heard that, but I could see how it might make sense. In certain positions of the auxiliary pulley, the lobe on the auxiliary shaft that pushes on the fuel pump lever might be in a better position to make installation of the pump easier. I say "might" because I don't actually know.

Regardless, I've never paid any attention to where this pulley was when replacing a fuel pump. On the other hand, there would be no harm in turning the engine so the pulley mark is at the "7 o'clock" position, if you wanted to be sure.

-Bryan

[SteinOnkel]

I am about to install a new mechanical fuel pump in a 79’ spider.
Was wondering if there’s any tricks I need To know before just pulling the old and putting the new in.
Thank you in advance.

It's another one of those things that takes 15 minutes on any other car and 2 hours on this.

Get a replacement spacer and the two gaskets too.

Yep, there's a spacer and two gaskets, because it's designed by people that hate mechanics.

[Cracoliciadam]

Lol yeah, I purchased it all. The only concern I am Having is on a Chevy small block the pump was engaged by a rod and if it wasn’t installed in the right position it would snap the rod off. So I was Curious if just pulling the old one off and slapping the new one in place was the key.
Thanks for responding, I’ll be attempting this after work today

[PaulC]

Just replaced mine on the same year car but was much easier as I was swapping out the intake manifold and replaced the pump while the manifold was out.
Although it looks like there is a lot more room to access the pump with the single plane manifold in place.
When i replaced the pump it wouldn't slide in straight but had to be at an upward angle and then pulled into place with the bolts. I assume this was cause by the pump lever riding on the top of the pump eccentric.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

The only concern I am Having is on a Chevy small block the pump was engaged by a rod and if it wasn’t installed in the right position it would snap the rod off.

One of my other vehicles is a '69 Chevy pickup, and yes I have heard this. No such concern with the fuel pump on the Fiat as far as I know.

When i replaced the pump it wouldn't slide in straight but had to be at an upward angle and then pulled into place with the bolts. I assume this was cause by the pump lever riding on the top of the pump eccentric.

I think you're right, and this was always my assumption.

-Bryan

[Cracoliciadam]

Thank you for all the help, it’s in and we are hooking everything back up.