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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
First time posting,
I have a 2001 Chrysler Town Country with 3.8

For several months now, I've detected a strong smell of gas under the hood. After watching it for a couple of days, I noticed gas dripping out of the cap on the fuel rail. I found a post where someone removed the cap and replaced the internal o-ring with an o-ring from the fuel injectors. (Same size) I did the fix, and it has not leaked since I replaced the o-ring. The best part was I did not have to remove the fuel rail. (A new one is pricey) You will need to go to the auto store and ask for fuel injector o-rings for the van. Mine came in a package of 2 for 2.39 from NAPA.

Thse are the steps I took:

1) Relieve gas pressure from fuel injection rail:
Remove the fuel pump relay and start the van, running it until it dies. (The relay is in the fuse box)

2) disconnect the battery (just being cautious)

3) Move power steering reservoir:
Loosen the bolts for the reservoir , lift it slightly and push it to the side.
(There are 2 accessible bolts on the top, and one nut underneath that you just have to loosen)

4) Remove cap:
Gently pry the cap off, use the bracket for the power steering for leverage.

The pic with the blue o-ring is the original. (notice the erosion on it)

5) Prepare cap:
Remove old o-ring
Bend the tangs back on the cap so it will fit tightly when you re-install it.
Lubricate the o-ring with some fresh oil and put it on the cap.

6) Install cap:
Put cap over the hole making sure it is centered.
Gently tap on the end until it slides back in the hole and is seated properly.

7) Check for leaks:
Re-connect the battery.
Put back the fuel pump relay and start van.
Check for leaks.

8) Put everything back together:
Move power steering reservoir back and tighten bolts.

That's it, it is pretty simple to do as long as you are careful.
Not once did the CEL come on.
This cap is not for a test port, it looks more like a pressure relief port.





 

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I found the correct name for this is a fuel pulsation damper or fuel pulse dampener, not meant to be serviced.
Part number is 04591758AA, (You cannot order this) on some of them it has a "do not remove label on them"
It also has 0063 BT 400KPA stamped on it too.
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
once I figured out the proper terminology, google came up with more meaningful results, including people fixing it themselves with a fuel injector o-ring.
At the time I fixed mine, I did not know what the correct term was.

I like to this of it kind of like a water hammer arrester on plumbing pipes.
 

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Discussion Starter · #14 ·
Here is a thread on the same issue on a Jeep Cherokee which has a similar design:
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/2002-4-0-fuel-rail-leak-33334/

Of interest is this blurb from the Cherokee service manual:
"High pressure fuel from the fuel pump is routed to
the fuel rail. The fuel rail then supplies the necessary
fuel to each individual fuel injector.
The fuel damper is used only to help control fuel
pressure pulsations. These pulsations are the result
of the firing of the fuel injectors. It is not used as a
fuel pressure regulator."
 

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Discussion Starter · #15 · (Edited)
The fuel rail with the damper is for 2001&2002 models only (or fuel pulsation damper or fuel pulse dampener)
The part number is 4861498AC

The part number for the 2003-2007 fuel rail is 4861498AD , I don't think you can put the later one on the earlier models (parts manual shows 2001-2002 fuel rail as distinct)
 

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Discussion Starter · #23 ·
Take a look at my pics in the beginning of the thread. You have no room for an oversize o-ring.
I thing that would help is to to use a brush to clean the cap and carefully wipe where it seats on the fuel rail.
Mine has not leaked since I replaced the o-ring.
Once you put it back together, it helps to give it a little tug and make sure it not loose.
 

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Discussion Starter · #27 ·
It has been quite a while since I did mine, and it is still holding up. If I remember correctly, the o-ring is the same as the one for the fuel injectors. I am glad it helped.
 

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Discussion Starter · #29 ·
You certainly have to be carefully getting the cap off. There is a part number for it, but they are not available anywhere.
It is not even listed as a separate part.
They want you to buy the whole fuel rail.
Glad it worked out for you. As far I know, and I will have to check, my power steering reservoir has never been changed.
the van is over 160,000 miles now
 

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Discussion Starter · #37 ·
There is no "improved" fuel rail, just stick with what came with the van.
If I remember correctly, the later 4th gen fuel rails were re-designed, but will not work with the earlier models.
My "fix" is still holding up :)
 

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Discussion Starter · #46 ·
If you do it carefully, replacing the o-ring will work. When my van was sold (late last year) it was still holding.
The trick is to make sure the prongs are bent back to where they are supposed to be.
 

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Discussion Starter · #62 ·
As far as I can remember, there was nothing in the hole with the cap off.
The leak was caused by a bad o-ring.
the cap had fingers to secure it in place.
Very simple really, and as long as you were careful taking it apart, it went back together fine.



 
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