m37 fuel pump problem

[point]

Hi guys. This is my first post on this forum. I am rebuilding a Canadian M37 Engine size is 250 cubes. My fuel pump works fine on the bench but doesn't work on the engine. The only thing I see possibly wrong is, when you push in on the rocker arm, there is about 3/8" play before it comes up hard on the links or pusher rod. Anybody have one lying around and can check that? If that is a problem, any way to adjust or repair it?
Thanks

 

[foxtrk2]

may be the cam lobe for the pump not sure on the amount of play in the pump though but on my 63 m37 with 251 motor there is no free travel to the pump

 

[Johnbyrdgates]

I recently rebuilt my M37 engine because the cam lobe for the fuel pump was worn almost 3/16". After rebuild, I learned about modern oils and their lack of zinc and phosphorous content due to catalytic converters in modern vehicles. Now I use Brad Penn oil made specifically for non-overhead cam, catalytic converter-less engines.

 

[point]

I'm just rebuilding my pump. If it is a worn cam, I will leave it as I am going to use an electric pump anyway. The engine is in top form so it would be a bit much to tear her apart just for the cam if worn. Call me lazy but with everything else needed to get her back on the road that would be pretty low on the list. Interesting about the oil.

 

[Johnbyrdgates]

Good idea about bypassing the mechanical pump. The oil is supposed to reduce wear on the valve pushers where the force is greatest. I don't have enough miles on my rebuild yet to know if it really matters, but I have read some testimonies by others that indicate it is a good thing to do. Mostly old school racers with flathead engines (Bugottis, etc.)