Fuel Pump Seal issue

[okmech1]

Hey all,

I am wondering if any of you have had the same problem with the Fuel Pump seal not fully staying seated:

I replaced the sending unit some time ago, then started to have a p0440 evap code - brought it to a Isuzu guy to diagnose (thought I might have a bad evap valve or canister), come to find out there was fuel leaking from the pump/seal area. Ok, bought a new OEM seal, dropped the tank, see that the seal had squirmed out in one spot leaving a small area that wouldn't seal up, probably causing my evap code. While putting the new seal in, the damn thing kept sqeezing out at the same spot (right there where the alignment tab for the pump is). I must have tried it 20 times - either with a hammer/punch, or later, finding I could turn the nut tight with a Channel Lock wrench at just the right spot.

Anyway, I pretty much gave up after about an hour or so after finally getting a long and skinny rod to push in on the seal ever so slightly and it looked somewhat in (with this spot being in the area where the fuel tank mold rises - I could just barely get a flashlight/mirror at the right angle to view it). I also used a good bit of petroleum jelly for a lubricant so as not to damage the seal.

My question is if anyone else has had this same problem, and if so or if not, was using the 'pet' maybe my problem? The CE light came back on after a few days, so obviously, my efforts were in vain!

Thanks,
Mark