1.9 TD air in fuel starting problem

[AJordan]

My 406 1.9TD has always been a bit of a slow starter sometimes taking two or three attempts to start and occasionally more but usually if I give the fuel priming bulb a couple of squeezes it will then start.

Lately this has got a lot worse and it wont start until I slacken the fuel union on the pump and bleed some air out.

Obviously there is air getting in somewhere but I cant see any sign of leakage. So I was wondering if this is a common problem and if anyone has any sugestions as to where to start looking.

[risky1]

Are all the glow plugs working correctly..??
Do you let it heat before you start...??
Never had a problem with my air locks on my own Td...

[collyflowercheese]

I had a 406 td for 4 years, the only times it wouldnt start in the mornings was when the glow plugs needed changing (had to change them twice in 4 years) and once when the battery needed changing, worked out the battery was the original so wasnt that bothered that i had to change it.(didnt realise until i changed the battery that the engine spun so fast.)

[Vpug]

Hi
I have seen problems with TD and air in the past.
The fuel fillter housing bolts on with a single bolt in the middle and has a seal around the edge.
You have to remove the 4 screws on top and remove fuel filter then remove bolt to take housing off to get at seal.

Thanks Vpug

[john_h]

does sound like a seal fault like vpug says...ive learnt that these can cause random faults with your car.

[AJordan]

Thanks folks. I dont think its heater plug related, I always use the heaters when starting and I also get this problem when engine is warm. Besides, there is definately air in the fuel and I dont think faulty plugs would cause that.

Thanks Vpug for the filter housing tip, it sounds like a good place to start looking.

[AJordan]

I took the filter housing off and the seal does look as if it needs replacing. Its gone thin and hard. Anyway I dont have quick access to a new seal so I cleaned it all up and gave it all a good coating of hylomar and put it back together. It satrted fine after bleeding so will see what the next few mornings bring. Thanks again.

[john_h]

if that dont help you can pick up a fuel filter for less than £10 from any motor factors like unipart which comes with the gasket