fuel pump bolt holes stripped?

[Adam]

Hi all. I've been enjoying reading this page for a while, I have a 72 centurion convertible with the 455, it's been my driver for almost 2 years now. But now that I've been having trouble with my 455 I thought I would ask you guys who know these Buick engines, what are my options here?

Recently the 455 developed 3 problems with it bogging down from a start, missing badly, and stalling if I tried to accelerate up a hill. I fixed the bog with a new carb, fixed the miss with new points and plugs, but it was still stalling if I tried to accelerate while already going 30 or so mph uphill. I thought maybe a bad fuel pump, so I went to swap out the fuel pump, only to find 1. a kink in the fuel line comming out of the pump (which may have been my problem), 2. but also the pump is in there really tight, and when I finally get the bolts loose I notice one of the bolt holes holding the fuel pump in is somewhat stripped. But I put the new pump in anyway, thinking it wasn't stripped that badly and maybe it'll hold. But when I fired it up the pump vibrated itself out, stripping both of the bolt holes in the process. I was hoping I could substitute an electric fuel pump, or come up with something other than having to install a whole new timing cover. Thanks, Adam

[Flynbuick]

You might take off the cover and see if you can get a nut on the backside. You are going to need an impact gun for the main bolt which is either 1 1/16" or 1 1/8" as I recall. I am unsure if you can install a helicoil at this postion but because of contamination from shavings you need the cover off anyway. I would an impact gun on the cover bolts also to help reduce the risk of breaking one.

[Bob]

I think you could use a heli-coil repair, but, as suggested, you should remove the cover.

[Dr. Frankenbuick]

You might be able to tap it to the next size up and drill out the pump holes to match. You are still going to need to take the cover off though. Helicoils would be the better fix if you have access and time.