have checked fuel filter orientation

check valves came installed on the new pumps and were oriented same as old ones

cracked fuel line at the distributor - fuel started coming out - have not done so while cranking the engine - feared having fuel all over the engine compartment... manual suggested attaching fuel hose to outlet of the distributor and cranking the engine letting the fuel empty into a separate container. was going to check to see if local parts place carried correct female end adapter to do so. will try your method of loosening inlet with some shop rags and see what happens