Fuel Filter Question

I have a 2008 SN206 with a 5.7 L PCM motor.
I replaced the in-line fuel filter, the cannister between the fuel tank and the FCC unit.
I then struggled to start the motor again, motor spluttered, died, did this half a dozen times or so before I got the motor running again which I was able to do by upping the RPM's a tad and after a few minutes motor was running smoothly again.
Any advice or suggestions on the correct procedure to replace the fuel cannister would be appreciated please. Thank you.

I'll try disconnecting the fuel line after the FCC unit and bleed the line. There are two lines, I guess one must be the fuel return line, the other the supply line. Both have a retaining clip of sorts but after taking the clips off I was still unable to get the fuel hoses off the fuel rail. Thought I'd cycle the ignition a few times to bleed the system of any air. Can't figure out how to get the fuel hoses off the fuel rail once the clips are off though?