fuel problem?

[davidah]

Hi

I have a 1985 T25 with a diesel 1.7 engine from a golf. The van was originally petrol, but the diesel engine was fitted before I bought it.

The van starts well from cold, and runs without any problems.

Recently it has developed a problem starting again after it has been run at speed (55-60) for a while - for example along a dual carriageway. If it is started right away there isn't much of a problem, however the longer it is left the more difficult it is to start. The first couple of times we had to call out recovery and get taken home. It seemed that not diesel was getting through - or only bubbles.

I then changed the 4 pipe diesel filter for a two pipe one, and fitted a non-return valve. I have also changed the breather tubes between the fuel tank and the breather tanks. This has made things better - diesel will now come through, but it takes a while.

It seems that the fuel tank is not breathing, and that a vacuum is produced when running, and when the engine is turned off the diesel is pulled back. This theory is supported by the fact that there is not a problem if the fuel cap is removed after stopping to allow air into the tank - though I can't hear any air being pulled in. All of the fuel pipes were replaced last year - and there doesn't seem any problem with the flow of fuel from the tank - there is no problem with the way it runs when it has started (though it does produce white smoke). I have tried to remove the breather tanks, but wasn't sure where the bolts are - I removed the obvious one and the tank didn't move - I didn't want to force it. The starter motor is running fine - really fast.

Can anyone suggest what else I can do to stop this problem? Everytime we stop we are scared it won't start again!

Thanks for your help.

David

[Hacksawbob]

I have a vague recollection from a previous post a long time ago (Simon Brickwerks?) about crud entering the fuel tank through split/damaged filler pipe causing vacuum.

[kit]

Fit a non return valve between the filter and pump it will help no end you will always start first time