trick to get fuel rail re-installed?

[Forden]

I guess this is a good problem to have if they are prone to leaks, but I am having a heck of a time getting the outer fuel rail pieces to seat fully on both sides. One side I can get fully in by seating the rubber followed by pushing in the metal tube, but the other side just doesn't want to go fully past the second o-ring bulge (pic is of the piece between #3 and 4, same deal between #1 and 2). I tried a very light coating of 2-stroke oil, and that helped get it nearly there, but not quite.

I did soak the pieces in gas, and when they wouldn't go in yesterday, I let them dry out for a full day, yet here I am.

Any tricks for pushing this piece the rest of the way in without damaging the rubber?

 

[Big T]

Rubber grease would help, but more patience and time should do it
Let it shrink some more

 

[Guest]

Where did you get the o-rings? If not from cycleorings.com (a member here), stop. Get new o-rings, then continue with a drop or three of motor oil on them when you assemble.

 

[Forden]

No o-rings, all three pieces are the molded originals. I'll give it a shot tomorrow and see if they shrunk. Thanks all I appreciate this forum so much. So. helpful.

As tight as they are, I'm hoping I wont have to drop the $ for the machined replacements...