Toyota Hilux 2.8 (3L engine) diesel starting issue

[northland_pajero]

After a couple of days of no use my hilux would not start yesterday, glow plug light came on then went out as usual but it was acting like it had no fuel. I popped the bonnet and primed the pump (primer on top of diesel filter was soft) then it started and ran well.

Today it started but only just, once again primer pump was soft, then I noticed the vacuum line from the ac to the idle up on the diesel pump was off, I put it back on.

Both days once running the diesel goes well (50km return trip to town) and when warm it starts normally.

Would the vacuum line for the idle up not being connected cause the diesel pump to need priming after not being used for a couple of days? If so have I now fixed the problem but putting the line back on? Will update on what it starts like tomorrow.

[tweake]

the vac line won't be the problem.

most likely fuel is draining back to tank because their is a poor seal somewhere and its letting air into the fuel line. often its the filter or primer itself.
you can fit a bit of clear fuel line, look for air bubbles.

[northland_pajero]

Thanks for the info, yup had to prime it to start it today.

Where would I put the clear line and what would it tell me, there are no obvious leaks (cant see any diesel drips anywhere, checked the engine bay and garage floor, nothing)

Im picking its time for one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-par ... 895563.htm and may as well do a new fuel filter at the same time.

While I can still pump the primer until it is hard, and then the hilux starts normally, does that only mean it is a small air leak, that will get worse over time? or is the problem something else in the fuel system?

Are there any issues with me using the hilux in the mean time?

[coxsy]

air leaks stopped my safari starting all together

[tweake]

start with a bit of clear line on the pump outlet. look for air bubbles with the engine running. if you have bubbles then theres air getting in.
then fit clear line on the pump inlet side and start tracking down where the air is being sucked in.
sometimes its the actual pump but filter is the most common.

the leak has to be bad before it leaks fuel so not surprising you don't see fuel leaking.

[northland_pajero]

I had the filter changed a month ago, then injectors done a fortnight ago, the problem has only just occurred in the last week.

Will get some clear line next week and start looking for air before I go ahead and get a new primer pump.

Thanks again for the help

[northland_pajero]

So I filled up yesterday and today it started normally (ie not starved of fuel / no need to pump the primer)
Will having an almost full tank of diesel stop the fuel running back to the tank, as the tank is lower than the filter I wouldnt think so.
Is filling up and the issue not reoccurring just a coincidence?
or
Was their some air in the system that I have finally got rid off by priming when starting over the last week?

[tweake]

the other thing could be tank vacuum. if you hear a whoosh when you undo the cap then the breather may be blocked. toyota generally uses valves in the breather line which can stick.

what often happens is there is a minor leak but it doesn't suck much air in till there is restriction to make vacuum in the lines (or breather causes tank vacuum).
a lot of the time just changing the filter fixes it. its either filter causing it or a filter partly clogged up making it suck air through a leak.