Busted hose nipple on top of fuel pump -
 

2003 2.3L 235K P171 Fuel pressure won't go above 30 and falls to zero as soon as I turn engine off. Pulled bed to replace fuel pump (and frame repairs).

Surprise, the plastic nipple for one of the hoses on top of the fuel pump is broken, and the plastic is stained brown around the opening, suggesting its been broken for a long time. QUESTION What is this hose? Could this break be causing the low fuel pressure and rapid pressure drop-off?https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...229bb873a5.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...8a6db68817.jpg