At this point, just going to let it run itself out. It didn't smell bad, plus it was "filled to the rim with brim"

 

Went for a drive today and smelled gas. When I was home, I removed the access panel and sure enough the pump was pushed up. Found out that there is a process in putting in the seal. You can't just have the seal on the pump and install as it will be too tall for the metal ring to go down far enough.

Process.

Fit the pump half way in, then put the seal around the fuel tank lip, then you can push the pump the rest of the way down. Install the ring counterclock till tight.

Sucks to learn this process the hard way, and luckily didn't cause a fireball.

 

having problem getting ring back on to seal pump to tank --- when removing I unscrewed seal ring counterclockwise to remove; did you mean to say when installing ring you also turn it counterclockwise? I left pump seal on pump, but tomorrow am I will try your method of installing seal on tank after pump is part way into opening;
any further advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated;

 

Had a hard time trying to figure this out, but you need to put the sealing ring on the tank first, then the pump will drop down further.

With fuel pump half way in, this is when you put the sealing ring on the tank.

Hope this is clearer.

 

thanks very much for the clarification; I got anxious tonight & tried it your way -- installed rubber seal ring in tank opening, then pushed fuel pump the rest of the way down; went in far enough for metal seal ring to engage threads & tighten up; I worked with this install several hours today trying to get pump into place w/ rubber ring installed on pump - just would work!
thanks very much for your advice -- I'll remember this next time on my other D2