All-

Long time user; first time poster. I started replacing my fuel pump last night after it died on me. Followed a great posting (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html) on how to do it; apparently the previous owner did not. After I had everything hooked up to the new pump, I attempted to screw on the metal ring (sending unit locking ring) that secures the fully compressed pump and creates the seal with the gasket.

However, I noticed that the upper lip of the first threaded area on the plastic ring that is mounted around the opening to the fuel tank in which the pump pump sits was damaged; about 1/6 it was chipped. It appears a previous owner used a screwdriver to pop the metal ring off instead of unscrewing it. It began to lock, but once I rotated into that area, the ring wouldnt continue down the threads of the plastic ring. Below are links of what it should look like; I have attached pics of the damaged area (lower left). PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW TO EITHER ORDER A NEW RING AND REPLACE IT OR GET THE RING MOUNTED!!! I'd hate to have it towed in for something so silly.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...arge/Pic16.JPG

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...arge/Pic12.JPG

 

From what I have just researched, it seems as though that ring is molded into the fuel tank.

Note the ring in the top of the tank's left side (fuel pump side). Fuel filter side is the right side.

 

For anyone who has this problem, I did the following to fix it. Take some JB Weld and carefully build a lip where it has fractured. This may require several layers with an hour between them. Ensure minimal drippage. Come back the next day and put your ring on!

As someone previously pointed out it appears you must completely replace the gas tank to replace the plastic ring. I called several oem parts places and none had them.