if you get it running/prime the pump will it do to get you home? or nipple needs to be in place all the time?
i just had that issue but mine was not out of place just lost prime from not being run for 4 months, pump does not run long enough to bring it up to the pump, so opened it primed and no issues.
but was thinking of installing a primer or bulb pump after the pump or somewhere and that would pull up into the pump to prime.
as for swelling the rubber best stuff is getting a little Jet B or naphtha, reeks havoc on rubber, swells it up nice, and funny thing is if you leave it over time it comes back to size. might help out short term anyways.