Starting trouble

After leaving it for an hour or two I have real problems starting the 300tdi ecd auto.

It is like I have to prim it . It will restart no problem within 5 minutes.

I have tried bleeding the filter but was not able to. I did not feel any resistance on the manual lever.

Am I correct in assuming that the fuel lift pump needs replacing?
or is there a NRV elsewhere in the system

Have you tried turning the engine over a little before re trying the lift pump ? It may not been in the right position on the camshaft otherwise .

Tried that with no difference

Well if you have tried the pump in every position , lots , then it may very well be that the pump is , as you say , in need of replacing . Bear in mind that , and Im sure you already know this , that the lever doesnt pump very much with each stroke so you need to pump it a lot to tell . I am not aware of a NRV but that doesnt mean that there isnt one .

Thanks for that, will play a little more but at 176,000 might be prudent to change as so cheap

Couldnt hurt , but not britpart , please x 3

wont be lift pump if once running its ok. prob leak somewhere draining fuel when left.

Spill pipes ?