W124 E320 hard fuel line flare

[andrewjtx]

I had the rubber fuel lines, which connect the hard lines to the fuel rail, rebuilt. The shop here in town was able to reuse the end fittings and replace the 8mm (5/16") gas-rated hose.

After reinstalling, the supply line connection was leaking at the firewall. Upon inspection, the flare had collapsed and wasn't seating properly in the connection.

So I got a flare tool and cut off the old one, got the clamp on (tight) and the correct 8mm anvil tip. But when I crank down on it, it just keeps pushing the line back through, not setting the flare.

Does anyone have tips on this? There's VERY little metal line to work with here and I haven't gotten under the car to determine if it's hard line all the way back to the pumps.

I'm out of commission until I can get this reconnected...