I have a feeling I already know the answer to this question, but here's hoping some bright spark can help.

In the course of trying to fix an oil leak from the fuel pump on the splitty, the pedestal (the brown plasticy thing) snapped in half. Not so bad you might say, but my problem is that one half stayed in the block. I have tried with no success to remove it with an easy out, but it just keeps breaking up and no matter how hard I pull, it won't come out.

I fear that the only solution will be to split the block and push it out. Can anybody suggest another way? Please.

try a little acetone or laquer thinners down the side to see if it will soften the gum and varnish ???dunno ,worth a try then see if you can grab it with long nose pliers

Not a bad idea, but what effect will the thinners have on the engine? Obviously I would change the oil, but...

none once the oil is changed ,it will all evaporate anyway:beer

a long shaft with a hook on the end, with a slide hammer system of sorts can help pull it out.

i have had to push one through before and retrieve it from the sump

what about an electric fuel pump or cut the bottom off a new guide block to suit

Either way you will end up with some chips or shavings inside the engine so....
Here is what I would do:
Run a suitable tap through the hole...I would guess about 3/8 unc.
Then put a piece of threaded rod into the hole,
and use a nut on the threaded rod, with some kind of large washer against the case,
to draw the piece out.

Thanks Dave, that's not a bad idea. I might give it a go.

Although it may not be a bad idea to give the engine a bit of a freshen up before we drive it to Valla. It leaks like a seive.