Yep, I got impatient pulling the sender unit out of the tank and popped the float right off into the tank.

Backstory: My tank fuel pump went bad, so I got new parts and went at it. All was successful until I tried to install it all back inside, as the unit wouldn't fit level on the opening. I figured out I had the filter sock on the "wrong" way, and the long side of the sock was pushing against the side of the tank, so I pulled it out to remedy the situation. POP goes the float ball. Oh, and my new filter sock went too.

Any easy way to get the darn things out without draining or pulling the tank? The auto parts stores don't stock float *****, and I need this car running for Monday.

 

OK, with the help of a small gooseneck LED flashlight and a small inspection mirror, I found my float ball and fished it out with a wire coat hanger. I managed to spot the filter sock, but after fishing for it for a bit, it seems to have disappeared somewhere in the tank. The old filter sock had hardened and has some cracks in the filter material, so I can't re-use it. Guess it's time to hoof it down to the parts store...

 

congrats.Did you notice if you tank seal had swollen badly when removing the float and fuel pump assy? Happened here. Diameter increased by between 1/4 and 3/8s of an inch. Put it in place and hope the evil ethanol has not claimed another victim.

 

The original O-ring was just kinda flattened, not damaged at all. From what I've read, that's actually pretty normal. I replaced it anyway cause I bought a new one, why not use it?