[Geo Smith]

Ditto what nick and alex said regarding soap/grease. You may be paying too much attention to getting one carb in place, then the other. On the many times I've had to reinstall by carbs I would simply get them roughly centered, then push down hard and rock like hell front to back. Ultimately, they will fall into place with a thud sound/feel. Don't over think it.

 

[Geo Smith]

I'm surprised Straticus has not chimed in here promoting ACF-50. He puts that stuff on his cornflakes.

 

[Geo Smith]

had to put all my weight on the caps with my feet off the ground before they popped back in

That's what I do. Lean hard on them, wiggle around, ultimately they'll pop back in. Mallet will be useless.