Can't Reinstall 2008 R1200RT Fuel Pump!

[rickcat]

I have a 2008 BMW R1200RT that needed a new fuel pump (not part of the recall. I'm trying to install the new pump and having a lot of difficulty with the supporting ring. That's the white plastic ring that goes around the neck of the fuel tank. The metal collar attaches to this ring in order to keep the fuel pump locked down.

It should be easy enough right? But the support ring is not going on without a fight. It looks like the ring goes on with one full clockwise turn, but that doesn't seat the ring all the way down. If I keep turning it more than another half turn, it stops. Only way to keep turning it is with superhuman strength. Already broke one support ring doing this...and the fuel pump didn't want to drop in, too tight.

I see nothing out there about this being difficult, so I must be doing something wrong.

Any advice?

Pics below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Ula_eY7iYSNmhyRVZoR1FEUkU/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Ula_eY7iYSOTJPSjhXNWxGX2c/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Ula_eY7iYSb3JhQ1l3UjRtemM/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1Ula_eY7iYSbG1YTUVOWlVYa2c/edit?usp=sharing

 

[rickcat]

Problem solved

Finally got the fuel pump together. Problem is there needs to be vertical pressure on the ring or it won't screw on correctly. Also it does takes a lot of force to turn this ring.