Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: dennisspeaks on April 18, 2024, 08:59:48 PM

Title: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: dennisspeaks on April 18, 2024, 08:59:48 PM
I have both the Service manual and Body Manual for my 39 Series 61 and nothing helpful on removal of the fuel pump.  Rather than bang my head against the wall I thought I would see if anyone has instructions on removal of the fuel pump or tips, it's pretty tight down there, hoping not to have to remove the generator.

Thanks,

Dennis
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: Tom Boehm on April 18, 2024, 11:04:50 PM
I don't see why you would have to remove the generator. There are two bolts holding the fuel pump on. I can reach the one between the pump and the block with a 10" extension between a ratchet and 1/2" socket.

The timing cover is a big casting bolted the front of the engine. Both the fuel pump and the generator attach to the timing cover.
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: dennisspeaks on April 19, 2024, 12:17:15 AM
Thanks Tom, just wanted to be sure since it's quite the tight fit and this is mi first time working on anything older than 1965.

Quote from: Tom Boehm on April 18, 2024, 11:04:50 PMI don't see why you would have to remove the generator. There are two bolts holding the fuel pump on. I can reach the one between the pump and the block with a 10" extension between a ratchet and 1/2" socket.

The timing cover is a big casting bolted the front of the engine. Both the fuel pump and the generator attach to the timing cover.
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: Tom Boehm on April 19, 2024, 09:06:39 AM
What have you done to this car since you acquired it? Does it run yet? Post some pictures after you have washed it etc.
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: dennisspeaks on April 20, 2024, 04:19:41 PM
Not much Tom, been working on the others getting them up to par.  Only had the starter rebuilt so far, next step the fuel system then rebuilding the brakes.  Yes I plan on posting pictures once it's running.
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: Bob Schuman on April 20, 2024, 08:54:23 PM
The side panel between the hood and fender should be easily removable, to make work on the engine much more accessible.
When you install a fuel pump on the flathead V8, I suggest using two bolts about one inch longer than original. The pump arm is pretty long, and while installing the pump, if you allow it to become cocked toward one side, the arm can slip off of the driving eccentric on the front of the camshaft. Start installing the pump with the longer bolts, tightening them a little at a time, alternating back and forth on those bolts until the pump flange is against the block. Then remove ONE bolt and replace with the correct length, then do the same with the other bolt. If you just use the stock bolts it can be very difficult to avoid cocking the pump, which will bend the pump arm, but the pump may still supply gasoline, until fuel supply trouble happens.
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: harry s on April 21, 2024, 12:25:42 PM
In addition to Bob's comments the eccentric should be at the bottom position which makes much less tension on the pump arm when removing or installing.
Harry
Title: Re: 1939 Cadillac Series 61 Fuel pump removal instructions how to? HELP
Post by: dennisspeaks on April 24, 2024, 02:33:08 PM
Thanks Bob and Harry S.  Somehow I have not been able to get into this form for several days.