Wont start

My 200tdi usually starts first time however if its not been run for a few days it takes a little more turning over before it catches and then its fine. When I mentioned this to a mechanic he asked if I parked facing uphill and I told him I do and he said they usually start easier if left pointing downhill. I have no idea why. As its been parked up for almost a month its now turning over but not catching. Got it on charge now having flattened the battery trying but what would you recommend as the next step if this doesnt work? It does have fuel in it by the way!

Lift pump. If the seals are slightly dodgy the fuel syphons back into the tank over time. Once started it will start warm or cold no issues at all but if left for 12+ hours it becomes difficult to start and if left 24-36 hours it is a pig to start........ Been there. You can check it easily by undoing the fuel pipes to it and placing your finger over the pump inlet (the side facing the tank). If you manually pump the lift pump (move the lever in and out) it should suck your finger to the hole. If you place your finger over the other side it should push it away. Get a Delphi replacement and the problem will go. They are very cheap.

If it isn't the pump then there are a number of other possibilities but I would try the pump first.

Could just be a leaking fuel pipe

No sign on any drips. Rechareged battery has got it going but will continue to try and sort this.

Is it a genuine 200 ie all the proper fuel piping? if it is theres not much to go wrong, but you really need to start at the tank union and undo each and every union and check/replace the sealing washers and go from there.
Slightest pin prick/knackered sealing washer on the vac side, ie before the lift pump will let air in but no diesel out

As above lift pump. Or leak off pipes. Or fuel filter seal. Or banjos.

I reckon somthing is letting go in air for drain back.

Could be a sticking stop solenoid though.

steveyorks said:

No sign on any drips. Rechareged battery has got it going but will continue to try and sort this.

Click to expand...

what @julianf said. may not see leaking fuel but air might be getting in along the lines somewhere. I have exactly the same problem right now!

A section of clear fuel line just before the lift pump is good,any air leaking in from the tank end will be visible. Fuel filter is another favorite for air getting in.

I would start with the leak off pipes between the injectors, easy access, and very cheap to just replace. Don't even bother inspecting them.
Then I would be looking at the lift pump, as far as I have found they are consumable items, I don't get much more than about 20-25k out of a delphi lift pump (and much less out of other brands) so for me they get replaced every 9-12 months. But I can now recognise the symptoms of when it is beginning to fail and carry one with me. As said they are not expensive or difficult to swap.

On my international engines motor (300tdi clone) the lift pumps are just that tiny bit different from stock, so you have to fit a special £70 plus vat, plus delivery.... every time....

As its on a modified policy anyway, ive just fitted a little faucet (branded) electric unit.

The electric fuel pump mod is well worth doing, never change a lfit pump again.

The weird thing is the engine runs pretty good without the electric pump switched on and doesnt lose as much top end power as when a std lfit pump fails due to the restrictions in the lift pump itself.

Many cars out there with the same ve pump and no external fuel pump at all apart from the ves internal vane pump.

I find that on my 300, I don't notice that the lift pump has gone until something else happens and I need the IP to bleed / prime. It seems to run ok with a knackered pump.

I did have one that started leaking fuel into the block though - sump oil was rising. Glad I spotted that one before runaway.

Cheers for the replies guys. The urgency is gone as its now started but of course it needs fixing as these things tend to let you down when least convenient.

steveyorks said:

Cheers for the replies guys. The urgency is gone as its now started but of course it needs fixing as these things tend to let you down when least convenient.

Click to expand...

If it continues (as mine does) park facing down hill (as I do!), until you find it!