440 fuel pump woes???

[rapidride2]

Hello i have a problem with a freshly rebuilt 440 in my dad's 66' 300. We just got it running yesterday. I could not get fuel pressure,, i blew out the fuel line in both directions, replaced the short pieces of rubber line, and checked the sock,,, all were okay. i found it to be the fuel pump pushrod not making contact with the new pump arm. When i installed the new carter pump, and oem shaft out of a 66' 383 i noticed it was just somewhat "stiff" putting in the f-pump pushrod,, i didn't think anything about it as i was able to put it in without too much effort. Well,, i cannot get the fuel pump pushrod out to be replaced!!! I cannot twist it either,, not to mention there isn't hardly any room for any type of tools other than very slender needle nosepliers that just slip off the rod. When i turn over the engine the rod will not move Has anyone ever had this problem??? any solutions?? i really want to run the manual pump. Thanks.. Matt