2.3L ('83-'97) Fuel line springlock issue

[xsaylr]

Hello, trying to piece my ol '97 2.3 back together, and can't get the dern fuel lines to reconnect. Kinda hard to get to, but I thought they'd simply snap back together n lock. Is there some trick to this?

 

[Josh B]

I think that's where you need that little fuel line tool, and there are 2 types of tool, and I got the wrong one.
Why I never got my fuel filter changed

 

[pjtoledo]

try some lube. they should just snap into place.
if there is crud in the spring it may not be able to expand to allow the tube in,

 

[xsaylr]

try some lube. they should just snap into place.
if there is crud in the spring it may not be able to expand to allow the tube in,

I was kinda thinking about that but wasn't sure. Yeah better give it a try, does look rusty