855 CUT - FUEL LINE FROM MECHANICAL PUMP TO FILTER

So, after extolling the virtues and reliability of the JD 855 tractor, I must humbly admit I now have a "failure" to report. See, the elbow that attaches the fuel line to the top-base of the fuel filter "blew" out and run fuel into the snow the whole way back to my shed, but I made it. I wonder what's to hold that elbow in? The side of the elbow that goes into the filter top-base has a very small groove around it. Is an "O" ring supposed to be in that groove? Not having one skinny enough, I simply cleaned off that side of the elbow good and stuck it back in the top-base of the filter. It stays there and doesn't leak. I'm guessing there's a retaining spring hidden in the filter's top-base and when the elbow was inserted far enough into position, the spring slipped into the groove and holds the elbow in and presses the end of that side of the elbow against a flat-face seal. Can anyone confirm that? For now, just to make sure the elbow stays in place, I run a wire around the fuel line elbow and the filter top-base.
I wonder what caused the elbow to come out. Nothing snagged it for it's protected back inside an engine side panel. I thought about increased fuel pressure because of the increased viscosity of the fuel on a cold day, but I've sure blown a lot of snow on much colder days. Ideas?

Almost certainly, the fitting was pressed in at the factory, probably with a little sealant.

I would take it off, clean it 100% of fuel with BrakeKleen, then stick it back in place with high Strength Loctite.

Did you forget to "knock on wood" lol.
Always seems like something bad happens right after you get done saying how good something has been. BTDT.

I agree with Bob. Clean it off and Loctite it ,though not sure which type would be best ?
or J B weld it in place.

they were pressed in at manufacture, yours isn't the first to fail, however you choose to repair it, be sure it doesn't leak, as that means it can also suck air, which means it isn't gonna run. Complete replacement is about $60 if you choose to go that route

What number of LockTite would that be?

Sometimes I wear both a belt and suspenders. As a back-up I found the whole assembly, including fuel hose, on ebay for $15! Seller says it's off a JD 3215B reel-type golf greens mower. It has the same basic Yanmar engine as my 855, except it's one engine update newer. For what it's worth the new Deere part's web site says both use the same assembly part number, AM877796. Of course, neither local dealer price nor availability are shown - as they were on the old site they just killed. Forgot to look see if a "where-used" search capability is still there.

Had that happen on a Kubota RTV. I just cleaned it real good with contact cleaner and JB welded it. Been holding for several years.