Fuel Pump Push Rod Removal

[Kevinklg]

I have an early 1974 VW Type 2. The motor is a Type 4. The fuel pump is mounted by the Starter on the left side of the engine. I am replacing the existing fuel pump with an electric fuel pump.

My problem is this, I cannot remove the push rod that comes out of the engine housing an activates the pump. The pump is off and I have tried twisting, pulling and every other means to get rod out. I'm at a loss.

I have read and been told that this rod just pulls right out. Unfortunately this has not happened.

Can anyone please give some pointers on what to do. I desperately need to get this out so I can get the bus running again.

Thanks!

[Wildthings]

Hum, the pump is mounted to the right front of the engine, while the alternator is to the right rear as the engine sits in the car.

I am going to guess that the end of the rod has mushroomed and thus can not be removed without splitting the case. I would just gut the pump and make it so that it can't leak oil and reinstall it.

[Kevinklg]

Wildthings - Typo on my part, it's by the starter is what I meant to say.

I thought about rebuilding the pump, but I've been pulling and twisting on the push rod and it's all scarred up and I'm afraid it will not work once I get a pump re-installed.

Any thoughts on other ways to pull it out?

[Wildthings]

[Kevinklg]

I totally misunderstood your first post wildthings. so just leave the old pump there, but seal it up so it does absolutely nothing. Nice! That rod going in and out won't engage anything so it won't matter at all.

Thanks - great advice!

[Kevinklg]

@Wildthings - one more question.

I have a cover plate for the fuel pump opening. Can I cut the rod off so that does not come out to the cover, then put the plate on? I think I can make it so it will not hit the cover plate.

Wondering if that will work.

[Wildthings]