The fuel lines on the suction side of the lift pump are cracked and leaking. Any time there is no residual pressure in the tank, the fuel will drain back out of the fuel pre-heater, preheater thermostat, and fuel lines so that you don't have adequate internal pressure in the IP at start up.

This can get so bad you run the battery down trying to start it!

Replace the suction side hoses -- if original, they are shot (did mine last year), and the o-rings in the pre-heater thermostat if it leaks, too.

Peter

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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!