plug for block pushrod hole?
 

I want to remove the mechanical fuel pump stand & pushrod assembly altogether. Any suggestions for easily plugging the pushrod sleeve bearing in the block without damaging it?

Thanks

Jack E/NJ

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

I'm running three flatheads now with electric fuel pumps. I remove the pushrod and do not fill the hole with anything. It is not necessary.

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Machine a 1/2" aluminum rod with a slight taper and gently tap it in with a small hammer. Leave about 2 inches above the bushing so a pair of vise grips can be used to remove the plug.

The amount of oil which can be expelled out of the bushing depends on engine oil pressure and which style(59A or 8BA) engine is involved.

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

I just machined a step on a steel rod that was a close slip fit in the bushing, then cut the rod to a length just short of the cover plate on my manifold when dropped in the hole. The plate keeps the rod in the hole and it will slip out easily if need be to remove the manifold. Just make sure the step is short enough that the rod isn't contacting the eccentric lobe on the cam or you will have a bent rod or a hole in your plate!!

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Go to NAPA and buy a 7/16" Welch plug and tap it in. I did mine that way in 2003 and have had no problems with it.

Jim

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Another idea.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5995

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Just did this last week. Followed Joe Abbins advice and took a short piece of 7/16 aluminum rod (1/2" longer then the bushing) and turned it down till it slid in. Left the top 3/4" a little tight so it would tap in a little to hold it. Drilled a hole and safety wired it in so it couldn't pop out as a extra precation. I don't have a lathe but the 7/16 was close enough I just spun it in a drill press holding a file against it.

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

you dont need to do anything,just pull the rod out. Been running my 59a for 14 years this way.

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

you don't need to plug the 59AB, no oil pressure there. It's nice to plug the 8BA because they have a small piss hole drilled into the main oil line and without the rod in there it will shoot a mist of oil into the valve spring area. Walt

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

A long time flathead friend of mine has advised that leaving the pushrod in place works just fine.

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. I decided to plug the hole even though it might not be needed. I took the best parts of each suggestion. The result is shown in the photo above with everything out of sight under the intake manifold.

A 4"-long 3/8" diameter rod was bent at about 1-1/2" to limit insertion depth. The diverter was made from a fender washer with a slightly smaller hole for a tight fit. A keyring on the end the rod then hooks to a spring attached to the valley oil tube to keep it all in place.

I suppose I could've cut & bent the original pushrod to achieve the same result. But I just didn't wanna do it.

Jack E/NJ

Re: plug for block pushrod hole?
 

Flathead Jack sells the plugs.