2001 Camry weird fuel problem. Please help.

[chuckcamry]

Greetings to all (and thanks in advance for any help)

I own a 4 cylinder, 2001 Camry XLE with 92300 miles. I have had intermittent check engine light issues for the last year. I have replaced the EGR Valve according to the codes on several occassion.

This morning when I started the car I heard a high pitched piercing noise. The sound is quieter than a dying alternator belt-it sounds more like an air leak. The sound is most prominent when the car is shut off. The engine stops and all is quiet, until the same high pitched sound is heard. At this point it sounds like air escaping. Some coworkers of mine checked out the sound and think it is coming from around my fuel filter.

This evening on the way home I noticed my gas gage dipped about 1/16 down as I made my way here.

Any thoughts? I am overdue for timing/water pump maintenance and will be having that serviced tomorrow morning. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing these new symptoms? I've read all the postings about the EGR Valve on this forum and was wondering if I should have the shop replace the VSV? Could a faulty VSV be the cause.

Thanks.

Chuck