Replaced the seal.

 

For the gauge level, only thing I can think of is since you used "the hatch method", possibly you weren't able to remove the sending unit/pump assembly as gently as you need to. Regardless, you must have tweaked the float arm for the gauge reading to now be thrown off.

 

A few weeks ago I took the pump back out to see if maybe I got the seal in wrong. It looked okay. Only thing I saw that was out of place is there were a few crumb size pebbles under the seal. I assume that ruined the seal? Should I replace it with a new seal again and see what happens?

 

Well, you do now have an inspection cover. If the seal is leaking, with a full tank you'll definitely see gas getting out around the housing.

 

Yeah but I have a piece of plastic just taped and has some silicon around it.. By the time I got the cover off, anything that leaked would be dry.

 

lol. Take the cover off before you fill the tank next time. Then take a looky see after you get to your next destination.
Hint: if it's dark out, use a flashlight to see, not a lighter.

 

^Good call. I don't smoke, so I never have a lighter handy anyways. I just use the flashlight on my phone lol.