SJ
When I get that rascal back off, I may well try to do as you just said ("they were in place tight as possible"), and give her another go!
Could be that I was careless when I reassembled without thinking about what exactly I was doing. After all, don't do this every day, or would be more proficient! But , knowing now what needs to be done, maybe I can get it to seal up with a little more attention.
thanks for the input and eye will let you guys know what comes of it
yellerc@

Wanted to let the BB know that the leaking issue was successfully resolved. Took it down and replaced the (just replaced) seals adding some light grease and tamping the seals into position as edb suggested. Seems to have done the trick cause' after re-installation she leaks not a drop. Noticed that the small washer shaped seal in the (bottom) of the pump seemed to be thicker that the one previously installed. (Maybe there is something to original Cat parts after all!). Otherwise just took a little more time and care and made sure the seals were tight as SJ recommended; along with the 'tamping' that edb referred to. Nice to have that nagging problem off the table. Thanks for all the input.
yellerc@