Sounds like it did get seated the 1st time & my advice was in error. I had several where the pushrod would not slip inside the grommett when it was put in 1st,it just ended up jamming the grommet to the rear. Shove it back in there & if it locks you're good or if it's damaged a piece of vac line will work good. I apologise for the erroneous advice & the added work I caused you.