Lift pump lever on EDC will not prime

My 300 EDC auto started playing up intermittently on cold starts recently. ie if left overnight, sometimes it will start immediately, other times it turns, fires then dies straight away taking a fair few repeated cranks, and flooring of the throttle to get it to "catch". This has only happened since we got this hot spell. I've checked the fuel, sensors are reading fine, glow plugs are ok pipes etc. I've checked all the earths, and added extra ones. But, on checking the lift pump, no matter where I turn the engine to, I cannot get any resistance on the priming lever. Tried it with ignition turned to activate the solenoid etc. The thing is, when I finally get the vehicle started. It runs absolutely fine so I'm confused. I'm leaning towards the lift pump on its way out, but wondered if anyone knows if the EDC models differ from the non EDC. I would have thought a knackered lift pump would affect the running, not just the starting. Also whilst on the subject of lift pumps. Any recommendations for a decent brand? I've been looking at buying a Delphi. Thanks in advance

lift pump will have no resistance once system is under pressure, id look at lift pump ,leak off pipes and the lh pipe on sender unit under boot floor and sedimenter

Thanks for the quick reply James. I changed the old cracked leak off pipes, which leaves the sedimenter, and sender pipes. Will check these out. It's really frustrating with the problem bring intermittent

a clear plastic pipe left in between filter and front banjo bolt on injector pump is a good diagnosis tool to see if air is entering

jamesmartin said:

a clear plastic pipe left in between filter and front banjo bolt on injector pump is a good diagnosis tool to see if air is entering

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That sounds like the way I need to go, rather than change stuff for the sake of it. Will any clear pipe do, providing its on a temporary basis?

yes

If you decide on a new pump I bought 2 recently from island4x4 the allmakes one for just over a tenner and the Delphi one at almost twice the price and they are identical down to casting marks on them.