fitted new fuel pump?

I've just fitted a new fuel pump to my 1995 discovery 300tdi. In the box, there were 2 gaskets which means there should have been a plate or spacer between the pump and block. When I took the pump off it was bolted direct to the block. If a spacer is missing would that have caused the loud ticking that was coming from the pump as the new pump has made no difference to the noise.
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Any help would be great

That ticking noise can be the vac pump which is nearby

Is it possible to take the the vac pump off the engine and run the engine to see if the noise stops

yes ,just hold a piece of card over hole to stop oil splashing out

THANKS FOR THAT INFO JAMES, WILL HAVE A CHECK ON OURS TOMMOROW because we have the same irritating tick. ron.