Thanks guys, amazing help here and it is truly appreciated.
I will check the measurement on the cam lobe to the base area where the pump bolts on. Assume I need to rotate the engine through a couple of revs to get the extremes. I know for sure that this is a rebuild because I bought it at Autozone and have little faith in it. That's probably because the brand new one I bought the day before failed right out of the box.
Red58, I like the weld spot idea and, as this is a relatively simple fix, I might try it early on. Can you tell me how you knew it was too short? Did you measure the cam lobe as suggested? Any other clues what I should look for? For that matter, do any of you have a suggestion for a top-of-the-line pump that you have confidence in?
When I replaced the coil (and added the ballast resistor), I replaced it with a coil made to be used with a resistor. The PO took out the bypass system and the battery was taking a huge hit every time it tried to start. It is definitely 12v.
Don Stocker, I have not done a compression test. Don't have a vacuum or compression tester, but will get those and work that angle as well.
SWEET and I adjusted the valves twice. Once before the exploding muffler incident and once after, on the heels of the head gasket change-out. It sounds like a well-oiled sewing machine at idle (I should probably stop using SWEET's name in these posts without paying him, but he's the guy who comes over and tries to help me understand what's going on with my truck. The man's a saint and deserves a medal).
I don't believe I have a vacuum leak, but have a hard line run from the advance to the carb port. The advance does turn the dizzy freely on acceleration.
I have a new condenser and set of points I can try in the truck, but think I will work through these suggestions first, as the collective thought seems to be a fuel issue. Would appreciate recommendations on fuel pump that work.
Incidentally, I have a clear (cheap) fuel filter on top that I can watch for debris. Have not seen that yet. And, have a brand new gas tank, if that helps.
Thanks again for all the suggestions. Keep em coming and I will report on progress as I go.
here's a shot of the dizzy and fuel pump:
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/57%20chevy/IMG_1235_zps23802b09.jpg-Jim
