300tdi intermittent starting problem

[Piperatsea]

The 300tdi runs fine in my 90. 137k miles. 

Sometimes starting isn't so good. 

Turn key and it fires then dies. Then follows plenty cranking 10 secs at a time for three or four times. Then a few fire and die cycles then a lumpy start and settles fine.

Rarely does it second start of the day and sometimes goes a week starting first turn. 

Thinking it may be a fuel problem. Perhaps a leak letting air in and draining pipes down to tank. Can't see any fuel leaks.

Any suggestions as to where to start looking? 

Thanks 

[monkie]

I agree with your suggestion of air in the fuel lines. Has any work been done on the fuel system such as new filter or lift pump? If not, the first place to start is with the security and condition of the spill pipes on the injectors. They can let air creep in over night when the engine is off leading to difficult starting. Inspect them very carefully as any cracks can be very tiny and difficult to spot. If they are fine, systematically check the security of all the unions in the fuel system. 

[Piperatsea]

Changed filter to try to fix the problem. Will check again and start going through as you suggest. Thanks.