Priming Bulb Not Holding Pressure

[leswoollam]

My 1995 306 XUD TD is becoming very difficult to start. Once it starts, there is quite a lot of grey smoke from the exhaust. I've replaced the leak-off tubes (which in all fairness did need doing). The priming bulb does not appear to be holding pressure as it used to. No visible leaks under the bonnet.

[Farmersboy]

My 1995 306 XUD TD is becoming very difficult to start. Once it starts, there is quite a lot of grey smoke from the exhaust. I've replaced the leak-off tubes (which in all fairness did need doing). The priming bulb does not appear to be holding pressure as it used to. No visible leaks under the bonnet.

I had exactly the same problem and took ages to find the problem. I replaced the glowplugs Timer relay and the primer bulb to no avail. Then one day I was trying to build up pressure in the fuel line and noticed a tiny dribble of fuel from the bottom of the fuel filter. Rather than strip it down I cleaned off and smeared silicone sealer where a valve was inserted in the bottom of the filter at manufacture. Issue sorted car now starts immediately and seems to run better. It appears that air is being drawn into the fuel system when running and creating an air lock. Hope this helps !!

[Mighty306]

Yea, from memory (reading previous posts) the fuel filter housing is worth a look at.

Btw, welcome to the club both of you!

[leswoollam]

My 1995 306 XUD TD is becoming very difficult to start. Once it starts, there is quite a lot of grey smoke from the exhaust. I've replaced the leak-off tubes (which in all fairness did need doing). The priming bulb does not appear to be holding pressure as it used to. No visible leaks under the bonnet.

I had exactly the same problem and took ages to find the problem. I replaced the glowplugs Timer relay and the primer bulb to no avail. Then one day I was trying to build up pressure in the fuel line and noticed a tiny dribble of fuel from the bottom of the fuel filter. Rather than strip it down I cleaned off and smeared silicone sealer where a valve was inserted in the bottom of the filter at manufacture. Issue sorted car now starts immediately and seems to run better. It appears that air is being drawn into the fuel system when running and creating an air lock. Hope this helps !!

Thanks for the tip, I'll try that and report back. . .

[welshpug]

did you fit oem 3mm rubber pipe or cheapo aftermarket 1/8" (aka 3.2mm, i.e to big)