fuel pressure loss when car is off

hi guys. im back. anyways, got a new problem. the van has been a pain to start lately. before the problem it would start right up without a problem. now it takes atleast cranks before it starts. my mom took it to the mechanice where she works and he checked it and says ithat when the car is running, fuel pressure is fine, but when you turn it off, it drops to 0. anyone got an idea what the problem is?

Somewhat model year dependent, but unless its a newer (2003+ maybe) model with the single-line system it can be one of three things (that I know of).....

1. Fuel pressure regulator .. on the fuel rail ...fairly easy to change out.
2. Leaky injector .. on the fuel rail ... hard to detect. If you are lucky it may sound different when compared to its siblings when you listen to it thru a hose or a screwdriver.... while engine is idling.
3. The fuel pump check valve ... in the tank ...ouch! Unfortunately, this gets my bet!

hmm. generally the same as what the mechanic said. its a '96 3.8L btw. iirc the gas tank is 15 gallons. whether or not that makes a difference.