Priming diesel 205D

Hi chaps,
Am having a problem pursuading fuel to come through the
pipework so I can start my 205D which has lain neglected for a few months.
It was drained of diesel, so the first thing I did was put a gallon of
diesel in the tank using a gallon fuel container. Charged up the battery
and the low fuel light flickered, then went off when I went into preheat
mode. Enough fuel I thought. I left the ignition on to keep the solenoid
energised, and started squidging the primer bulb. It will not firm up,
which means it's not drawing fuel up, but when I opened the water drain on
the filter, diesel pours out. Tried to fire it up, but it will not catch.
It gives a cough or two with a puff of smoke out the exhaust, but that's
it.
Is there a more robust priming I can do to get the bugger to fire and keep
firing?

 

I don't know how practical it is on your car, but 30+ years ago when I drove
diesel vans for the post office we all carried a small spanner in our pocket
for just such occasions. We would run the starter and slacken the first
injector pipe until fuel started to come out at which point you tighten it
again. Repeat this for each pipe. After doing them all, the engine
should start, in fact with a warm engine it used to start as you tightened
the last pipe.

 

Now that sounds like a plan, lets air out, and lets the pump do it's thing.
I will try that at first light.
Cheers, Keith.

 

I don't know how practical it is on your car, but 30+ years ago when I
drove

That method is still as valid today as it was then. Priming with the bulb
will only prime the low perssure side, you have to do more to get air out of
the high pressure parts. Air compresses too easily, so will not force the
injector nozzles open.