Do the fuel filter locks usually stay compressed or do they have a tension that normally pops them out and does the new fuel filter from autozone come with a new locks on them or certain part numbers for both correct? Mine were compressed by the previous owner and stuck that way with the fuel line pushed on there. I had to fit a pic up in there and slide them into the fuel line lock fittings. They stay stuck compressed with the lines off and dont have any outward tension to snap into the fuel line. I was able to pic them into place but not sure if thats correctly how they should fit.

 

Looking at your photos it appears you were able to get the green fuel line retainer clip seated correctly but if you have doubts then replace the clip.
Note the fuel line retaining clips can be procured and replace separately, just google >Corvette C5 fuel line retainer clips<
Below link to a few threads on this subject;
Pics of fuel line retainer/safety clips - Help?
Mar 7, 2004
Source for plastic fuel line to fuel filter clips
Aug 29, 2011
Fuel filter retainer clip broke
Jun 4, 2011
Fuel Line Clip came off
Sep 4, 2012
www.corvetteforum.com&bih=657&biw=1366&h l=en-US&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiPjpjXhMj1AhUkkWoFHVT MCscQrQIoBHoECA8QBQ]More results from www.corvetteforum.com[/url]

Video
Installation note as per the GM service manual;


Cheers,
Goose

 

And in yet another way the C5's maintenance mirrors real life.

 

Some filters come with new locks, some don't. However, I believe that replacements are available, either through the Dorman replacement line, or the "Help" parts cards, that most of the "big box" auto parts stores carry. And yes, I believe that these clips are important, as the fuel lines run right above the exhaust pipes.....

 

Yes ill see autozone had a new filter for 19.99$ but i purchased and returned it after purchasing the car and doing fresh fluid maintenance items. The current filter looks pretty clean or nearly new posted in pics i would think it would have more grime then that if it hadnt been changed. The front cradle and cover of the car was full of layered on grime not sure if it was a leaky front seal that maybe got on the outside of the engine or since the corvettes lower then an f-.body it picks up alot of road grime.

I recently checked and autozone ac delco filter is 116$ or 23$ for some other air filter. I should have kept the filter im not sure if it had new locks or not. Now one line is a gm 3/8" fuel line lock and the other is 5/16"?

Any idea where to find the new dorman or correct locks at the local autoparts? Probably in the help sections?

You bet i seen it dripping directly on the exhaust and never noticed it leaking before. I did drop the transmission and didn't mess with the filter but after doing the cam swap and topping off the trans fluid on ramps i seen both clips were stuck pushed in. I had to open them up to hold an outward tension.
Amazon has 30$-40$ filters that dont come with locks by the look of the pictures sold by knock off weird vendors as the fuel pressure regulator is in the fuel filter has anyone tried these?

Partsgeek has the primeguard fuel filter has anyone used these for 26.80$? The pictures show both locks.

 

I found a set 3/8" and 5/16th gm dorman clips for 5.49$ at autozone. Dorman- OE Solutions 5/16in and 3/8in GM Fuel Retaining Clip 6 Piece 800-016 (autozone.com)
I may ride up there and pick up a set for safety purposes hopefully this is correct part. I hate messing with 23 year old pastic fuel lines.

 

True story