Very odd fuel problems.



On a full tank, it takes forever to start. A close to empty tank will start no problem.



I have no idea. Car also has white smoke at idle.

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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build)

Leaky lines or primer pump? Air bubbles getting into the system?

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

If you have a full tank of fuel, you will have a positive head on the fuel pump, and oil will leak out if there is a problem there......if there were a problem in the area of the FI pump I, personally, would suspect that a reverse of the symptoms that were stated......

Supposing that there is a clog in the fuel tank vent......then with a full tank there would be a lesser volume of atmosphere within the tank.....thus causing fuel to flow more slowly.....when there is a greater volume of atmosphere within the tank (less fuel) then I would think that fuel would flow more easily...initially.....as it would take longer to pull a vacuum within the tank.....

Try removing the fuel cap when you have a full tank.....and see if it makes a difference.....if it does, as I suspect it will.....clean the tank vent and you will be good to go wherever and whenever....regardless of the amount of fuel within the tank.....

SB

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Diesels:
'85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG
'84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG
'77 240D (parts car)
'67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP)
Gassers:
'94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG
'85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car
'58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG

air does not rush in when fuel cap is taken off.

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-1983 VW Rabbit LS Diesel (5speed, VNT/Giles build)

The rubber fuel supply line at the tank was weeping.

I cut off the corroded hose clamps, and replaced them with new worm gear clamps.

This improved performance, and eliminated a weeping fuel leak.

.