Classic/Antique Car Repair: fuel pump, cam shaft, split pin

Question
How do you repair a 1954 chevy fuel pump - 235 engine?
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
CB HArt

Answer
The best advice that I can give you is be careful. The pump is located on the side of the engine block and is driven by a lob on the cam shaft. There are several dealers listed in Hemmings that sell the rebuild kits for these cars. There are only two bolts holding the pump to the block. Once off there is a split pin near the mounting bolts that needs to be removed to allow the arm to be removed. This is spring loaded so be careful. Next remove the screws from the diaphragm covers and remove the covers. If it a single pump there will only be one cover of it is a double pump meaning one side pumps fuel and the other side produces vacuum for the wipers, remove both but don't mix them up. I mark them and scribe a line from the cover to the body of the pump. One line for fuel side and two for vacuum. Inside of the covers there will be check valves. New ones should come with the rebuild kit. Compare the new ones with the old one and assemble the new valves as the old one came out, one at a time. You mix them up and you will have problems. Install the diagrams and make sure that they are connected to the rocker arm. Each diagram should have a spring under it as the arm pulls the diaphragm down and the spring pushes it up. Reinstall the covers, install the until, start the engine and check for leaks. Good Luck
Brad