What is the difffernce between these pumps? How is it not fitting?

 

The pump won't go down and seat properly. It sticks up and there's a gap between the pump and where it bolts down.

 

If you lay the two pump assemblies next to each other, are they different lengths?

 

It looks like the part of the strainer that connects to the pump is higher up on the original pump then the pump I pulled

 

Typically Honda part numbers that are identical except for the last two digits, means the 04 is a revised part and you can substitute for the 03.

Wondering if there is a trick with the installation. If you try installing the original pump, do you have any issues getting it to seat?

 

It pretty much falls right in. Although the whole strainer was pretty much gone when I pulled out the original

 

Maybe the strainer assembly is still in the tank?

 

It was disintegrated. I pulled pieces of it out

 

I think I found the problem. There's a dent in the fuel tank. Can it be pulled out? I sure as heck don't want to replace it if I can help it.

 

Fixing the dent is too risky for me as you could create weak spots and develop a leak. I'd replace the tank if this were my car, but you'll have to make the call to repair or replace the tank.

Removing the tank isn't a bad job if there is little fuel in the tank. Drain/siphon the tank if it has a lot of fuel. I think you'll have to unhook the muffler and some of the rear pipe hangers to lower the exhaust to get enough clearance to remove the tank. I'd support the exhaust on a jackstand. You will have some items like hoses to unclip from the top of the tank.