As of now, I just got my fuel pump to pouring fuel out while I figure out what to do.

I was trying to replace the fuel pump check valve but when I pulled it off, the fuel pump started gushing fuel and while scambling for the new one I found that the new one doesn't fit.

I ordered the new part from FCP Groton and it looked like the right part. But the diameter of the threaded part is way too big for the tapped hole in the fuel pump. So, this part will not work.

My first question is, what fuel pump do I have that takes a smaller fuel check valve? I know the previous owner was a shadetree mechanic because of the interesting things he has done to the car. Examples: rerouted the tailgate wireing harness so that it doesn't go through the hinge, and while testing the current the fuel pump was drawing I found that the power for the fuel pump doesn't go through the fuel pump fuse! From this, it is apparent that the previous owner messed with the fuel pump and it is possibly from a different year or a turbo pump or something. So, what model fuel pump takes a different check valve?

My next question is this: Where do I put the little spring with the ball on the end? When I pulled off the check valve this little piece dropped out, so I would assume that it goes between the check valve and the fuel pump. Since I assume that this is the check valve itself, I would also think that it should be faceing up stream. But something makes me question whether or not this is correct. I think I remember something about having to be ready for fuel to come out of the fuel pump when just changing out the filter, but last time I changed my fuel filter no fuel came out of the pump, just a bunch out of the filter. Also, when I took the check valve off of the adapter that goes over to the fuel pump, there seemed to be a nice little place for this thing to sit and perform its duties. Did the last guy put this together wrong? I need someone with more experience than me to guide the way.

Thanks, any comments appreciated.

-Mike