Fryer:

Sounds more like the priming pump -- on this model it is up by the fuel filter instead of on the lift pump.

What is missing is the cover. These are sometimes called "palm pumps" becuase you can use your palm on it instead of working a plunger with your thumb.

Check your overflow lines -- if they are bad enough you will get a small fuel leak (you can smell diesel all the time, and a little on the ground). Most of it evaporates off the engine, though, leak may be bigger than you think!.

Also check all the pressure lines -- the clear plastic ones crack with age. You can replace them with standard fuel line after cutting off the clear plastic (brown and very hard by now!) -- the clear stuff isn't available, you have to buy the ends, too ($$$).

If you've changed the fuel filter lately, did you get a new copper seal? They can only be used a couple times before they get too hard and leak.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!