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I Left my Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2003 without running the engine for about 3 weeks. When I started the engine 3 days ago, and after about 5 minutes of running the engine, fuel suddenly started dripping under the vehicle from the space between the engine and the autotransmission.  I quickly shutdown the engine and the drip increased for some seconds then stopped as the engine went off.  What could cause such fuel drip? I am afraid to start the engine again because the fuel drips on the exhaust pipe.  Thanks  

the fuel lines on almost all newer cars..    are PLASTIC..     a rodent,, rat or squirrel probably sampled the tasty plastic..



now... don't panic... plastic fuel lines are repairable....   repair kits are available at most parts stores...


or you can buy complete lines...

it is probably a good idea to not drive it...

there is one more thing..  there is a fuel filter in that general area...  the quick connects might have also come apart there..

was it below 32 F where the truck was parked??    water will build up in fuel filters... its possible that it froze and cracked something..

there is a very small possibility ... that the infrared heat from the HOT exhaust has melted something.. but that is a tiny possibility..  usually there is enough air flow past the exhaust to keep the temps down...  but you had it sitting..????

when people complained of leaking fuel when the prices were high.. i always inspected the fuel tank... there were desparados.. that would put holes in the tank to drain the precious liquid out..

you should be able to climb under and carefully run your hand along and feel the 2 or 3 fuel lines..  pressure.. return and a vent.. or two..  

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions.  The vehicle was parked outside in the sun at temp far above 32F (In fact it was usually 90F and above).  I went under the vehicle but could not locate the fuel lines. The fuel sips out in between the transmission box and the engine once the engine runs.  The volume increases for some seconds after the ignition is turned off. Then the drip stops.  I have not been able to locate the fuel filter too.  Unfortunately, I have to travel out of town for Christmas and New Year and wont be back to the vehicle till about 8 Jan 2010. When I return, I will search for the filter and any broken lines.  Meanwhile, a picture of the fuel filter's location will be of great assistance.  Just want to try all possible DIY before calling the mechanic, particularly as it is dangerous driving the vehicle in this condition.    

if its leaking around or between the motor and transmission...

what ever you do DON"T drive it..

the upper intake comes off with some work..

autozone.com has some info on it..

they also have some images of the various parts on their free repair info site..

there is as i recall a piece of plastic high pressure hose connecting he left and the right side... it is also possible that something else is leaking in the fuel system..  the fuel pressure regulator.. a few injector,  the fuel injector rail seals,,,  the fuel lines at the fuel rail.??/

hard to say without a first hand inspection...


before you take it apart... order a complete intake manifold gasket set.. upper and lower sets.. a throttle body gasket set also.and a full set of fuel injector seals..    there have been problems with the plastic intake manifolds and gaskets leaking on the dual overhead cam 4.0..

you might want to also have compressed air.. to carefully blow dirt away from the intake manifold parts so you don't drop any into the motor..  

You are absolutely correct. The fuel line connecting the 2 injector railings was eaten up by rodents. I have replaced the line and the vehicle is now ok.  Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.