Fuel spill when changing fuel filter W124 1995 E300

[williammajor]

When I recently changed the diesel fuel filter and pre-filter on my 1995 E300D (215,000 mi), fuel seemed to leak everywhere, saturating the splash guard and forming a relatively large puddle on the ground. After the installation, no more leaks, however; the fuel smell lingers for days. I don't recall this happening before. Is there a check valve anywhere in the system that is supposed to prevent this? Has this happened to you? Thanks