fuel leak @ stainless lines??

[parkerb]

hi all,

while underneath my '02, 150k miles, i noticed this mess behind the fuel filter. i've popped the bracket arm and wiped up a bit, but couldn't tell which of the 3 lines are leaking gas. anyone else had this happen?

[mark_gober]

I've never seen anything like it and I've got 2 Windstars. There isn't any connection near where that bracket is, except for the fuel filter connections correct?

I'd probably spray it clean with a solvent like brake cleaner or something to remove the gasoline residue and then get back in there and check it again.

Those two black lines....those are brake lines correct? The reason that I ask is that brake fluid has an enormous creep. You can spill a drop and come back later and that drop will appear as though you spilt a gallon. It is possible that you have a brake fluid leak. In the photo, the black lines appear wet and the stainless dry. Is that the case?

Mark

[parkerb]

mark, thanks for your thoughts. here's another shot showing a bit more of the run. you are correct, the filter is just above where the camera is. rub your fingers in it and it smells of fuel. but from around the car or up close to this there is no obvious sign besides the discoloration.

and yes, the black lines are the brakes. i'll likely pop a few more of the retainers off and free the lines to look around it. i'll report back because i'm wondering what the best way would be to fix this, especially if the part's obsolete?
IMG_4125a.JPG

[wiswind]

Retainer on the line....rubbing/corrosion?
Fuel dripping from up at the filter or vapor canistor area and blowing back......and is dried up except for under/around the retainer?