3-D Printed Part - Steve Melton Where Are You?
Here's a "gadget" I made to solve the problem of holding up the fuel pump "rod" when installing a new fuel pump - mostly when the engine is in place & access is restricted. Although mine is made of out steel and silver brazed together, it would seem to be a perfect project for the 3-D printing world. You may not use it very many times in your capacity as "Maintenance Officer", but sometimes once is enough to make you a believer! It would seem that the printing process would get the unit cost down to a reasonable level?
The way is works is, the tool looks like an upside down cross, with a yoke at the top that "captures" the elastic retaining band (or whatever you choose). The "cross arms" on the handle position the tool on the fuel pump mounting face so the tips of the yoke are in line with the center of the fuel pump rod when the cross arms contact the mounting face. Put the retaining band on the tool as shown (a big enough "loop" to ensure going past the fuel pump rod), and insert the tool far enough below the end of the rod to insure "capture". Once the tool is inserted and the cross arms contact the mounting face, slide the tool up until it contacts the upper limit of the opening in the mounting face. Then, "draw" back the retaining band until you feel it putting pressure on the rod. If you are using an elastic band (I do), you can stretch it enough to find something above it to attach it to, to insure enough tension on the band so that when the rod is pushed up, by reaching your finger into the mounting cavity, the rod will remain "retracted". Then it is simply a matter of installing the pump & gasket with the 2 1/4-20 NC socket screws provided. Once the socket screws are in place, and you are assured the fuel pump arm and rod are fixed in their correct orientation, simply cut the retaining band and pull it free.
Before I forget - the gray box/rod shown is an exact simulation of the fuel pump mounting face & rod on the accessory case.
I know there people out there that swear by putting a dab of heavy grease on the rod to hold it in place - but unless you've done that your whole (maintenance) life and have developed a proficiency for doing so, it is not that easy - especially in the close confines of an installed engine. Ask me how I know!
If anyone out there wants to "mess" with this as a 3-D printer project, I'll be glad to send you the particulars of my prototype.
YMMV - but this does work!
HFS