Brake MC leak, Still pulling my hair out..... Options

[914bub]

I've searched and read all I could. Here's some history. I installed a new 19mm brake master cylinder 2 summers ago, the front reservoir line has leaked from day one. After some research I realized I didn't have distance washers so I got a pair, (Thank you Mepstein).

Today I took the MC to work, cleaned it up, installed the distance washers and grommets. When I tried to shove the lines in I couldn't get the lines to go in, so I read some more. The bird site says install the grommets on the reservoir lines, then pop them in. Another thread said start the lines just barely into the grommets then seat the grommets, then push the lines the rest of the way in.

Both above methods seem like the distance washers could pop out of place trying to move the MC into place and get the grommets and lines installed. Everything I had read until now lead me to believe the MC with washers and grommets should be installed in the car and then the reservoir lines popped into the grommets.

Any insight would be appreciated, I've had the MC out 4 times. Yes, the reservoir is loose so the lines can be pulled down further. I also have long needle nose pliers made for pulling vacuum hoses that I'm using to try to seat the lines.i

I'm over screwing with it and it's driving me nuts.