So I went through this thread and still left unsure as to what to do with the pushrod when eliminating a mech. fuel pump on an early flathead: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/eliminating-a-flathead-mechanical-fuel-pump.837989/ Can I just remove the pushrod entirely and slap a delete plate on the hole? Do I leave the pushrod in and slap said plate on the hole? I may go the route of rebuilding and leaving the mechanical in place with the electric in-line as a backup. But in the case of wanting to eliminate it entirely, I want to make sure to do the right thing. New to flatheads, so any help is appreciated! Thanks guys!
Cut the pushrod off to a point it doesn’t interfere with the cover plate used to delete the opening hole. Leave the shroud attached to the pushrod. It channels the oil where needed
Is there a spring in the pump that keeps the rod in contact with the cam pump lobe? If so, wouldn't removing the pump and leaving the rod in place let the rod bounce and hammer on the cam?
Yes^^ -you need to trim enough off the bottom of the pushrod, so it doesn't hit the cam lobe. A little off the top to put the cap over it. The umbrella keeps it where it's supposed to be.
I made a tight fitting aluminum rod(not a press fit)with a larger diameter head so it wouldn't drop down. The length of the rod covered the oil port to lube the pump rod a 1/2 inch
If you want to be safe and keep the mist in place, find the position of the rod on the cam at the bushing, then put a small dab of weld there on the rod to keep it high enough so it doesn’t touch the cam. The shielding cone should still do it’s job, but the rod won’t hit the cam lobe.
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