1.6td fuel starvation starting problem

[Lefty]

Hi all,
I've had this problem for quite some time now and it is really bugging me. On occasions I have had difficulty starting the van because of a lack of fuel in the fuel pipe running between the fuel filter and the engine. It does not happen everytime I go to start. When you look at the pipe (the transparent one) you either see a lack of fuel, or pockets of air in the pipe.

I've had a new tank fitted last year, although admittedly I've not replaced the fuel hoses or replaced the fuel filter in the past year. Anyone else have this problem? I can get it started if I disconnect the fuel pipe and then fill it with fuel, but this is becoming a pain in the backside.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Daren

[colinthefox]

One likely cause is the injector back leakage pipes. That's the braided hoses that go between the injectors and the fuel pump. There is also a rubber cap on No. 4 injector which can perish. A slight leak here will let in air while standing, and may leak diesel out when running. A very common problem.

Other causes could be a leak on the fuel pump or anywhere between the fuel tank and the pump. If it's before the pump like this, it will show as bubbles travelling along the input pipe while running.

[clift_d]

I'd try changing the fuel filter.

[Lefty]

Thanks. I replaced the leak off pipes last year, so that should rule that one out. I'll start by replacing the fuel filter and checking everything from the tank up to the filter and go from there.

[JonB]

Whilst not taking care of the cause, you could fit a bulb primer in the pipe just after the fuel filter. Would just prevent fuel going too far back down the pipes saving your battery on ignition.

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[lefty67]

What kind of filter do you have? Is it the one with the white thermo valve on the top?