Air in fuel pipe

Hi,

Just recently my '96 2.5DT has started getting air in the clear plastic fuel pipe that's between the filter and the FIP which can make it difficult to start. I've replaced this pipe but it made no difference. I'm going to fit a non-return valve which from previous posts should help but this is only masking the real problem which is a non-airtight fuel system. What else should I investigate? I've been told it could be wear in the FIP and I'd rather eliminate anything else before going to the expense of having the FIP off.

Thanks,
mikeateves

hello,
perished leak off pipes?
especially the longer (~30cm) one.
cheers

if air is in the pipe feeding the pump then it wont be the main FIP check pipes as previous post or fittings around the top of the filter housing easy way to check is to use spray grease around pipes bubbles will stop temporarely whilst grease blocks the gap other failing is the tank pump this generally causes a problem below half a tank of fuel

Hi,

Thanks for the replies I will investigate further as suggested.

mikeateves

I had exactly the same last year, the in-tank fuel pump had failed, & it was the fuel injection pump at the engine-end that was having to 'pull' the fuel from the tank, hence the bubbles.
Try removing the fuel pipe at the filter, then switch on the ignition, there should be a few seconds of diesel spurting from the pipe, if not, then its the pump in the tank!

kork said:

hello,
perished leak off pipes?
especially the longer (~30cm) one.
cheers

Click to expand...

My money is on Kork's answer.

eightinavee said:

My money is on Kork's answer.

Click to expand...

I agree, don't waste time with anything else until you've changed them all, it'll cost you less than a fiver for enough pipe to do it. Don't rely on them looking OK, mine did but they disintigrated when trying to remove them so were the source of air getting in. It'll transform the way the car starts.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Kork was spot on. Leak off pipes looked fine but when I started poking them about I could hear air being sucked it. Pulled them off and they'd split at the ends. New pipe and no more problem. Great stuff.