Air mixed in with fuel

306 1.9TD - Managed to get engine started (thanks for response to my earlier
post, battery needed a charge) and I can see bubbles of air being sucked
down the fuel tube from the filter to wherever it goes to next (I'm
certainly not a mechanic, but like to have a go first before calling in the
garage !!).

If I attempt to pull away, car will drive for about 20m before the engine
stalls.

When the engine is switched off, I can hear a sucking noise for approx 10
secs from somewhere in the engine, and can see the odd bubble being pulled
back through the fuel line towards the filter.
I've had a good look at all the fuel pipes I can identify around the engine,
none feel wet from any fuel escaping.

My initial question is, is there any obvious pipe etc I should be checking
for a split or should I be checking anything a bit closer to the fuel tank.
Has anyone had a similar problem with a diesel ?

Thanks for any responses.

 

You will not see fuel escaping as it is being sucked up from the tank by the
fuel pump, part of the main high pressure pump. This is why you have air
entering the fuel system.
You should have a manual priming pump, try pumping that when the engine is
off, this is the only time you might see fuel leaking.
If it is the plunger type mounted on the fuel filter, then it might be the
seals on that priming pump.

Brian.

 

I have the same problem with a 309 diesel, my question is on the primer of
the fuel pump if the seal is leaking can it be temporarily fixed by using
silicone sealant and push it under the hand primer to seal it from suking
in air.