Thanks Larry and Brew ---
I slapped some Nylog on the O-rings and seated them all the way back on each hose line, and like you Brew, I had to fiddle with it to get it to go in as far as I got it. (found it surprising)
I'm starting to wonder if the dealer parts woman gave me the correct o-rings (size was correct but they were dark green and very hard and un-elastic -- unlike the HNBR type)
I'm not sure if that's the original evap or not B -- but it is reassuring to see those copper fittings.
I'm going to pull a vacuum today and see what happens.
Thanks again for the help!