Fuel Injector Retainers: Impossible to Find?

[BartusCompater]

So I've been going a through a really annoying fiasco with my fuel system (as chronicled here).

Long story short, I think I may have warped those retainers that tighten the fuel injectors down in the opposite direction, and I'm starting to look for new ones. I called IAP just now and he told me that you can't actually get those retainers any more, but that it's not an issue because they're mostly "decorative". He said that with the right size hose, the fuel rail holds everything in place.

Additionally, he said that I need to use 7.5 mm hose, which doesn't sound right to me at all, since I could barely squeeze 8mm hose over the fittings on the fuel rail.

So I guess I have two questions:

A) Does this make any sense?

and B) Other than parts yards, where would be the best place to look for some of these retainers?

[manoa matt]

Can't you just bend them back into shape?

[BartusCompater]

I guess I could try that. I guess my only fear is that by bending them I'd be softening them up even more, but that's probably an unjustified fear. Additionally, I don't really know how they're supposed to look or if they actually even need to be bent back. I just figured that the easiest way of being sure that I'd get the right seal is finding a new set, but I might have to just resort to bending the old ones if getting new ones is too much of a hassle.

[narfire]

Dustin, I'll have a look tonight downstairs and tomorow at the shop for some rings. I have an extra rail with new hose I could make up if needed,you'd have to use your injectors though. 8 mm hose from a VW place has worked for me.. BUT use the proper clamps for the injector hose,expensive but they work best. AND make sure the screw is located to give an additional twist while the injectors are mounted. Invariably you might have a loose one and a small drip is not a good thing.
Chris

[narfire]

Found one downstairs,will look today at the shop

[narfire]

Ok Dustin I have two of the things. Note they do have a slight built in dent in the things.
Send a PM if you want them and an address
Chris

[BartusCompater]

Chris and Matt,

I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to respond. I've kind of been taking a break from my Spider. It's just been driving me crazy so I'm getting some distance from the whole situation. I want to give both of you a huge thanks for digging out those retainers. Right now I'm not really sure if I'm going to need new ones. I've decided that I'm probably going to take the car to a mechanic, but if it turns out that I need new ones I'll know where to go.

Thank you so much, and I'm sorry if it turns out that I sent you on a goose chase for nothing.

[narfire]

No worries Dustin, I found some other bits I thought went missing,so the hunt was a good thing. I have found three of the retainers.
Hope you can get the car sorted, the weather has been great.