Fuel injector removal - ZX2

Hello, 1st post. I have a 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 manuel shift with 131,317 miles on it. My wife ran it out of gas 2 weeks ago, and after getting gas the check engine light came on. It was losing power over the next 2 days and then quit. I pulled the fuel filter off and it was full of rusty dirty crap. I replaced the filter and it fired up after some cranking, so I changed the oil, air filter and plugs. It ran good for 2 days then would not start after turning it off. I checked the plugs and they are firing great but they are dry as a bone. The fuel pump shoots gas 14 inches or so out of the filter, and there is fuel getting to the rail. I think the injectors may be plugged up but I cant seem to get the clips off the rail to release them. I dont want to snap anything not knowing how this comes apart-- anyone know?