Starting problems - air in (deisel) fuel system?

[Russonly]

Hi, been looking for info on this but I am struggling.

I have a 1.6D and stupidly ran out of fuel - I parked it on a hill on a near empty tank!

The van turns over well enough - it is just not firing - no spluttering or any sign of life for an age, then with much pumping of the accelerator it gradually comes to life! Had to do this about 5 times now straight! Runs fine when it finally gets started!

The wiki has a piece about air in the system https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Di ... and_Tricks and suggests sucking the air out from the return pipe! Is the return pipe the one in this picture - bottom left? I assume this is removed at the pictured point and a clean pipe attached to the nipple to suck air out? I have noticed air in this pipe, but was hoping it would have cleared with a good run - still got the problem so here I am!



Thanks in advance.

Russ.

[colinthefox]

The clear pipe bottom left is the supply from the fuel tank via the fuel filter. The black pipe at the top with the braided rubber tube to the injector is the return. The pump sucks fuel up the clear pipe from the tank, so if there is even the tiniest leak anywhere along the line it will suck in air at that point. Possible leak sites are at the filter, or any of the joints, or a perished pipe. If it's only a small leak, when the engine does run it will suck in some air all the time, but plenty of fuel as well so the engine will run fine and the air will go back to the tank via the return. When you stop the engine, the negative pressure in the pipe will keep sucking in air till you have a pipe full, and it won't start.

If you want to suck fuel up to the pump you can use the braided pipe on the return by pulling it off the injector.

You will have to check all the joints very carefully for leaks. Watch the pipe with the engune running(CARE!) and try flexing the joints to see if it makes any difference to the air in the pipe. Also be sure the filter is screwed on securely. It might be worth changing the filter as well, as if it is blocked the pump will suck air even harder. Don't touch the banjo bolt where the clear pipe connects to the pump, unless you are sure it leaks, which it probably doesn't.

Colin

[Russonly]

Thanks for that! Replaced the fuel filter - which was due anyway - and it started without a problem this morning. I have found an injector that is leaking around the base. Can't get any tools onto it to tighten it! Is there a special tool for the job? It seems to be very tight already - if I remove it is there a washer that can be replaced?

Any idea's?

[Titus A Duxass]

Thanks for that! Replaced the fuel filter - which was due anyway - and it started without a problem this morning. I have found an injector that is leaking around the base. Can't get any tools onto it to tighten it! Is there a special tool for the job? It seems to be very tight already - if I remove it is there a washer that can be replaced?

Any idea's?

Are you sure that it is the injector that is leaking? Most of the leaks "around" the injectors are normally down to a cracked or perished return pipe that weeps.

Check out all the black cotton covered rubber piping.

[Russonly]

The braided tubes seem to be okay. This is the end injector - with a rubber bung on the last nipple instead of another braided tube - This is split and may be leaking. The only thing is it really looks like bubbles are coming out from the bottom of the injector.

Maybe they all leak a little gas and you need fluid there to detect it!

Will try and find a new bung for the last injector and see if the diesel disappears.