TD5 Fuel pump - power cuts off when starting

[DeeJay]

I seem to have the above occurring on a random basis. In my garage I can hear the fuel pump when ignition on & after using the starter- no fuel pump noise :( It will simply spin over & not start. After maybe 10 or 15 short attempts, it will "catch" & fire but mostly die & then reluctantly start rough on the next 1 or 2 attempts but crank up & away we go. Heaps of black smoke.
It might do this on average every 5th time, but can go days in a row, no problem. Once going, it runs brilliantly & can go for hours. Obviously the starter is "robbing" the power to the fuel pump.
Anyone had this problem? I'll be checking the fuel pump earth at the fuel pump next , but all other wiring seems fine.
Big trip with the usual Toyota fanatics next weekend & I want to avoid the ribbing..
Thanks, David

[discotuner]

Hi,
Have a look at your relay for the fuel pump or just replace it (in the engine bay fuse box) . A good test is to when you try to start your car it feel all the tops of the relays in the engine bay see which one is hot or warm. Could be a few things, do your S &M lights flash as well ??
discotuner

[DeeJay]

Thanks,
I put the spare relay in & she started up straight away.. Just a matter of hoping that was the problem..
Will know after a few runs..