Thread: Fuel problems

Originally Posted by wolvespaul

I have just chnged the fuel filter in my 2.0td, i have noticed that the hand primer loses its hardness after the system is bled, without starting up engine, i checked all the lines to make sure they were tight, i also noticed that where the fuel line goes into the top of the pump at the fitting, when the banjo is removed the fuel that is already in the top of the pump goes down, is this normal? i would of thought untill yo try an start it it would stay , is the pump supposed to keep buzzing when ignition is on with out starting?

Do you actually have a fuel problem? Did you follow the bleeding process outlined in the manual - there is a set process.

To bleed prime the system - open valve at top of filter and pump bulb until fuel free of air comes out the filter valve. Keeping the bulb squeezed close filter valve. TURN ON IGNITION and pump the fuel bulb until the bulb is hard. Stop pumping and turn off the ignition. Push accelerator to the floor and then attempt to start as normal - engine will take longer to start - run at a fast idle for a minute to purge any remaining air. If the engine still runs rough or is hard to start there may still be air in the system - repeat purge bleed process.

L series is normally started without any accelerator. When there is difficulty starting sometimes pushing the accelerator to the floor is the solution - tells the ECU that there is a problem and please start me. Partial throttle settings are a no no.

The buzzing is normal.

No idea about other questions you asked - though the bulb replaces a lift pump so does not have to remain hard as long as it retains suction.

Garry

When warm she starts no problem, but if left for a while she wont start easy, glow plugs are new, i have power up to them as i tested it with my test lamp. where is the relay located for reference?

Thought maybe change the filter, il try the bleed process.

Cheers Paul

Bled system as requires 3 times, i seem to be getting air in the system when i leave it for an hour or so, starts very rough.

Do these cars have any problems wiht sucking air?

L series will start Ok in summer pretty well without glow plugs so I would not be too concerned about them at the moment. No idea where the relay is but it will be in the manual somewhere.

The L series does have starting problems if there is still air in the fuel system but the system is simple and does not have issues sucking in air once set up. When I last changed my fuel filter I rushed it and just pumped the bulb up and it started Ok - later it became difficult to start - I then followed the correct procedure and never had a problem since.

Unless you have a perished hose somewhere I would still be thinking that there is air in there somewhere.

Garry

After changing the copper washers in the banjo fitting in pump, and checking the fuel lines for problems i bled the system again by the system proposed, car still has starting problem when left standing for a couple of hours, plus it pumps out lots of white smoke when trying to start, is this unburnt fuel?

Air is present in the fuel filter everytime i crack the bleed screw.

I may just run a hose directly from the filter to the filter to bypass the steel pipes above gearbox to see what happens.

If the fuel pump were to be faulty, would it give me the same symptoms?

Sounds like air is still in system. get it running and go for a 5 min drive. then leave it overnight. dont open any fuel lines. Should be good

problem still there after driving 120k to work and back, feels ok when driving.
once left for a while its hard to start, and seems to air in the system.

Did you have this problem before you changed the filter? Is it only when the engine is cold it is hard to start?