Fuel pump will not seat in tank

1998 CHEVROLET S-10
200,000 MILES • 1.1L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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KENW1
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 213 POSTS
You're going to laugh either I'm an idiot or overlooking something simple. New Carquest brand pump won't push down all the way. Tried everything even bought a new o-ring. It just will not go down enough to engage the lock ring. Without o-ring it'll fit. Any idea on alternative sealing methods?
Jan 21, 2021 at 7:55 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi KENW1,

Thanks for using 2CarPros :)

I ran into this on a Ranger and it turned out to be the a catalog issue that they assume all the pumps for a range of model years was the same. Switched brands and it fit perfect. I mean this was the exact issue that the ring would not not go on. The lip on the pump was too large and would not fit with the seal.

Do you have the old pump to compare them side by side? There has to be something different between the two. Maybe some pictures of what you are dealing with too will help pick out the issue.
Jan 21, 2021 at 9:49 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Hi Ken,

It is the o-ring itself? They are too thick and do not want to seat.

I use vaseline jelly and smear it all over the ring and landing. Then try pushing it down.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

The last resort is using the old ring but you may end up with an evap leak or fuel leak.

Roy
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Jan 21, 2021 at 9:53 AM
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KENW1
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 213 POSTS
Thank you gentleman! After taking a break I attacked it again and had success. Smearing the heck out of it with Vaseline worked. First time I ever ran into this.
Jan 24, 2021 at 5:59 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Will not be the last time either.

Nice going.

Roy
Jan 24, 2021 at 7:31 AM
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