A couple weeks ago I ran out of fuel in my 83 300D turbo. After filling with diesel and pressing the primer 100 times (new style), it finally started and ran well. I was still seeing bubbles in the return line but ran fine. Ever since then, the only way it will start is if I prime it. When I lift up the hood, I see there is no fuel in the diesel return line (clear lines). After starting, I will always see bubbles. I tightened all the hose clamps on the lines and fuel filters. What could be causing it to lose prime everyday? Runs great after priming. BTW, this is also a WVO conversion - custom kit. Runs fine on oil too once warm.

__________________
1983 300D Turbo
265,500 miles

You may have crap in the lift pump valves.

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Air leak or Lift Pump issue.

Replacing Hoses does not cost much and taking the lift pump apart is time consuming but not difficult. The big Plug on the side of the lift Pump is 30mm.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

All the hoses from engine to tank are all new with a newer primer pump. I also just went through all hoses and retightened all hose clamps. Can't find this darned air leak. Could the primer be bad already? Can someone share the steps to remove the fuel pump and rebuild (if possible). Maybe a leaky oring or gasket on the pump?

__________________
1983 300D Turbo
265,500 miles

Maybe a leak in your WVO system. if you place the car facing down hill does the problem still occur?

__________________
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

how is your WVO system configured?

is the diesel secondary filter housing now under vacuum?

if thats the case, the rubber o-rings on the fuel filter spin on bolt are likely culprits.

dont go tearing the fuel pump apart yet IMHO.

__________________
-------------------------------
'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

Attached is an image of my WVO design.

__________________
1983 300D Turbo
265,500 miles

Yea, your diesel side is under vacuum from the fuel pump.

Have you had this issue only since installing your conversion?

__________________
-------------------------------
'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

No, I installed the conversion about 2 yrs ago and it has been running fine on oil and diesel since then. This just started out of the blue. I am due to change the spin on fuel filter anyway and I will try to tighten down the primer as well to see if either of those two things help.

__________________
1983 300D Turbo
265,500 miles