I am trying to replace a fuel filter on my 2000 Grand Am...which has apparently been on the car since it rolled off the assembly line..or so it would seem...I've only had it a year..so I'm not 100% sure of that...but it was rusted on there pretty good. In the process of removing the old filter a small black piece that held the old "tabs" in place on the line was broken..the tabs on the old filter are not the same as on the new one. The old had a green collar type that fit into the black part that is now broken...the new one has a white collar with tabs on either side. Is the black piece needed to hold the new tabs? And if so...can it be purchased as such..or do I have to replace the entire line to the gas tank as well?
I know its kind of sketchy...but hard for me to explain without showing the pieces I'm talking about...if anybody understands what I'm talking about...PLEASE HELP!!

Thanks!!!
Kathyb

Does your filter look like this?

Fuel Filter by ACDelco - Part 18056859 - Advance Auto Parts (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Fuel-Filter-ACDelco_18056859-P_4_R%7CGRPFILTAMS_124164152___)