I bought new Purolator fuel filter for my '04 Sable LS Duratec. Its the correct filter but the clips do not fit. I checked out 2 other Purolators as well as other brands and all of the clips are too thick to fit in my line endings that go over the fuel filter inlet/outlets.

I finally tied wrapped around the whole filter so that the lines can not come off.

It seems like someone who owned the car before me changed the plastic pieces that push onto the fuel filter inlet/outlets so that stock clips dont fit.

Anyone else run into this problem?

Take another look at the holes for the clips. If the retainers don't fit one way, try using the pair of holes 90 degrees off (ie: a quarter of a rotation).

-Rod

Same thing happened to me on my '02. I found some at Pep Boys on the "Help" display. About a week later, the back hose connected to the filter came off on the freeway, leaving me guessing until I saw the big gas puddle. Not a correct fit. I wouldn't trust "wrapping" or any jurry rigging. I had to bite the bullet and buy new clips at the dealer, nearly $20 for both.

Apparently my 04' and perhaps earlier use a "newer" style clip than what they package with the new fuel filters.
Went to Ford and for $11.22 got (2) correct clips. All is good.

I take it they gave you "R" clips with the filter?

I take it they gave you "R" clips with the filter?

I am not sure what "R" clips are, but these larger thickness ones were boxed with every filter I found in every auto supply place I went. Also same as separate ones sold in the "Help!" sections.

Keeping receipt from Ford in safe place for next time.