1996 GL 3.0 Liter v6. Fuel Filter/Line problems.

[Wind3x]

First off first time poster so sorry if this isn't quite how things work. So 18th birthday rolls around I hear about a 96 Taurus for $150 dollars(yes I know sounds terrible and shady). So I was skeptical so finally I go down to pick it up, and it has a fuel leak. Apparently the guys daughter had hit a rock of some sort and it had cracked the fuel filter. So I get the car home and it's in excellent shape. Perfect factory interior, 2-3 scratches on the car, was really a good buy for a first car.

So me and my father(who's been working on cars for the past 15 or so odd years) go out to replace the fuel filter. Of course the white clips come off, the bracket unscrews, and the filter itself wont come off. It turns and turns and still it wouldn't come off, tried putting lubricant on it for about 20 minutes still no go. So the guy from the auto parts store (Auto Zone) tells me to use a "Quick Disconnect" tool. So I bring it home and try to fit it over the filter, again no go. The lines where they connect to the filter have plastic around them for the clips and you can't fit the disconnect on the filter.

So the same guy tells me to cut the ends from the fuel filter itself and then insert the "Quick Disconnect" into the line and then pull the rest of the filter out. Me and my father did, it works, but about 3 o-rings came from the front line, and on the back line only 1 o-ring came out(guessing the rest are still in the line). So we put the o-rings we have back in there and put the filter on, and we slide the white clips on(Which are supposed to hold it) I start the car and all is well no leak at all. So I go to put the bracket back over the filter and I hit the fuel line very lightly and the line comes off from the filter gas shoots everywhere of course. So now I'm in this predicament.

The filter goes on, no leaks at all, it starts up and runs, but I really doubt that that minimal amount of pressure should pull the line off, I've tried putting the clip on about 4 times and still same thing happens. I'm hoping when I cut the filter and pulled the rest out it did not ruin the ends. I also see that the fuel lines are rubber around the end for about a foot before it ties into the metal line. If I can't get the filter to stay on should I maybe buy the new ends and compression clamp them on? I'm grateful for any assistance.

Thanks in advance.

[Airjer_]

turn the clip around. if you look at it carefully one side is tapered to slide over the notch on the filter easily. the other side is flat. the flat side should point away from the filter. Also there are two different sizes used. make sure you have the right size. Lastly these are supposed to be inserted into the line before putting on the filter. You will hear a click to let you know when they are on all the way.

[Wind3x]

Worked great I didn't even notice the tapered side of the clip. Greatly appreciated. The first one slid on perfectly and I tugged and wouldn't come off. I go to the one on the back(Towards the rear passenger side wheel) and I undid the clip and the line came off, when the line came off 2 plastic pieces with flat bottoms and 2 o-rings came out in a pile on my driveway. Now I put the plastic peice then o-ring, then plastic peice then o-ring, and it wont let it go in far enough, with 1 plastic peice it still comes off. Any ideas?

[Wind3x]

Finally got it together. I just put on 1 plastic piece with the bottom lip and 1 o-ring to try it. No leaks, runs fine, can't pull it off. 150 dollar car in almost excellent condition. Thanks a lot for the help saved me from taking it somewhere for a fuel line.

[Airjer_]

My pleasure!