Failing to start unless bumped 1st thing every morning.

[AndyLake]

Hi
The problem started last sunday evening driving uphill my car just lost power and cut out I called the AA they gave me a tow up the road to a level bit hooked up a battery pack eventually it started up. The guy told me the fuel had gone to the rear of the tank ( it was just above the red) so I filled it up carried on my journey. Later I went out started the car fine. Monday morning the car wont start again but will bump down the hill, then all day pottering around its starting fine, same thing tuesday and today the fuels just under half and the cars parked facing down hill. I think proably the battey isn't holding charged or something wrong with fuel pipes any ideas? ty in advance.

[Harshan]

Does it crank? and if yes, does it crank in a good speed to fire-up the engine? if both the answers are yes, then the battery and the charging circuits are fine and the issue is with fuel line, fuel pressure and/or fuel flows back to the tank

[AndyLake]

Yes it cranks ok even get the initial plume of grey exhaust fumes but just wouldn't fire up until this morning when it fired up 1st time, obviously joining the 406oc forum fixes slight problems!!!

[Doggy]

Hi Andy & welcome to the club.

I can see from your profile that you have a 1.9, but it helps to put it in your signature, then everyone knows straight away if they can help.

Anyway, if you haven't already, I would check:
Fuel filter
In-tank strainer
All fuel pipes for possible leaks - you can get leaks small enough so diesel won't leak out, but let in enough air to let the fuel run back to the tank.

[ally406]

^^ agree with this, sounds like the fuel is running back to the tank overnight due to an air leak. Generally if you have air and fuel an XUD will fire Before starting, try squeezing the primer bulb a few times. If it starts, then this is evidence that there was no fuel in the lines. Squeeze the primer firmly and listen carefully for any sounds of air escaping.

Did the AA guy have the filter out to check it, or disconnect any other component in the fuel system? If so, it's possible he hasn't refitted something correctly and it's letting in air.