Hpfp internals install from hell (or in REALLY stupid)
Hello all, I really need some help because I am currently losing my mind. I am installing some autotech hpfp internals and I hit a wall in attempting to remove the piston from the seal screw and my night rapidly went downhill from there.
I've watched about 15 install videos, read multiple guides, and read multiple reddit posts, and every single one indicates that the piston should pull directly out of the seal screw, and despite me using literally all of my strength, my piston is not budging (I've attached a video as evidence of my last attempt, fuel pump in a vice, spring pushed down, pulling from the spring retainer and seal screw threaded into the pump for maximum pulling force, but I've also attempted it with the internals removed from the pump housing). I figure I must be missing something here. Please tell me I'm just a huge dumb dumb. The piston sleeve seems have a bit of travel within the seal screw, but the piston itself isn't moving at all.
Furthermore, in one of my attempts to free the piston, I ended up dropping the internals and damaging the side of the seal screw (picture in comments). As this part is intended to be reused, my assumption is that I'll have to procure another one before reinstalling, but I figured I'd ask before I go buying more things.
I'm at my wits end trying to get this piston out, and finding very little advice online, so any tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm considering trying to punch the piston out from the bottom, but I'm afraid I'll just end up damaging more of the internals.