Hey all!  I've read through the various posts regarding this topic but I haven't seen my specific question addressed so here goes.
I did the install last night.  All went well till it was time to put the Raptor in.  The brass tube has the white plastic/mesh extension on it.  Over top that mesh was clear plastic tubing.  Like aerator tubing for a fish tank or something.  That plastic sleeve made it too thick to fit up into the tank.  As i tried to insert it that clear sleeve started sliding down. So I removed the clear tubing and the petcock went into the tank no problem.
Is that tubing just there for protection for shipping/storage etc?  Did I do the right thing by removing it?  Thank you and sorry for the long narrative!

Thank you verslagen1.  I really appreciate the info!  Been stressing about it.
Brand new to all of this.  Just recently acquired my '03 and have a lot to learn.