Is fuel leaking from the hand pump? If you don't have any external leaks, I would look for internal leaks, like at the lift pump, that are sucking air in from the fuel tank via the return line. I just had that very issue. Turned out that the discharge valve in the lift pump wasn't closing.

There is some wetness at the hand pump that's why it's suspect. I hated that thing everytime I used it so it's going away.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked