Chrysler Repair: 2000 Chrysler T & C Severe Fuel Leak, fuel rail, fuel rails

Question
Hi, I have a 2000 T&C Ltd Ed. Van, 3.8L Eng., AWD.  This morning I started it up and it went about 100 feet before it bagan "sputtering" and finally the engine died.  Noticed a very potent gasoline oder coming from the van.  Under closer inspection found a very large puddle under the van, literally had gas running into the gutter and down the street.  Tried once more to start the van while having someone look under it.  As soon as you try to start it, fuel spills out from under the passenger side of the vehicle.  I checked into the recalls for the T&C and found a few fuel related issues, i.e., aftermarket fuel fiters, fuel rails, etc.  Do you have any ideas of what may be going on?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Annette,
I haven't been aware of the recall history on your van. But it clearly involves the pressurized side of the system not the return line back to the tank from the engine compartment in order to have such a high rate of leakage. The pump pressurizes the fuel to 50 psi in order to operate the injectors so any leak will really spurt out the fuel. If the source seems to be mainly in the engine compartment then I would suspect the fuel rail or the attachments of the fuel line to the fuel rail. The filter is mounted on top of the gas tank at the rear so that is not source unless you have the leak mainly from the rear area. The bottom line however is don't drive the van that way because of a serious risk of fire. The pressurized fuel is delivered from the tank to the fuel rail along the passenger side of the van, and the rail starts at the top of the engine on the passenger side and runs from the front of the engine to the rear and back to the front where it passes thru a pressure regulator where the pressure drops,  and back down to a return line that parallels the supply line back to the tank at the rear, passing along the frame rail on the passenger side as its path. So you might see the leak if you open the hood at then have a helper turn the key just to the RUN position. The fuel pump will only run for about a second and then automatically shut off, but long enough to bring up the pressure and show you the leak source perchance. Don't try to START it as that will bring into play the spark and the starter motor which could ignite the gas and start a major fire. If the leak isn't obvious as to a simple repair (tightening a connection) then I would have the van towed to a dealer if it appears to be an item covered by a recall (such as the fuel rail, which is otherwise about a $300 part). If not, then choose a shop that is close to you and that you trust to correct the leak.
Roland