Hi.� I've had some experience with noisy fuel pumps and dirty fuel filters, but I haven't seen this before, and I'm seeking advice from those with more wisdom.

I hadn't started my van ('87 2.1) for a couple of weeks, and it took some cranking to get it going (nothing terribly excessive, but the battery tends to be a bit weak after not using it for a few weeks).� Actually it did start on the second or third try, and it idled just fine.� However, after around 10 or 15 seconds, the fuel pump started to whine a lot louder than usual, and the whining seem to come on rather gradually (by which I mean over a�few seconds rather than in an instant).� 

Idling continued to be fine, and I drove it for a few minutes, getting it up to normal operating temperature.� The whine persisted, so I looked under the van after turning the engine off.� I then noticed that the exterior of the small (2 inch) hose between the outlet of the pump and inlet of the filter was completely damp with fuel and that small drops of fuel were forming around the clamps.� 

So, here are my questions.� I recognize that a fuel filter can get clogged to a point that will cause the pump to strain (and be noisy).� Might this happen all of a sudden (and possibly be related to the motor not being started for a few weeks?� And, can a clogged filter cause the pump to push fuel through the hose clamps to the exterior of the hose (because the filter is so clogged "all of a sudden")?� What else might cause this single little hose to be soaked in fuel (i.e., everything else is dry)?

Thanks!
David