Bleeding a diesel...

[scarecrow]

I'm thinking of going to look at a diesel AX but the seller says there's air in the fuel system - they've seen air bubbles in a fuel line and clear it by using a manual pump on the fuel line. They have been told it's an easy fix that they haven't got round to having fixed

My question is: is it a simple job to bleed the buggar? And would someone be kind enough to explain the technique to me?

Thanks
Steve

[mat_fenwick]

Bleeding is the simple bit (undo a tap, and squeeze a rubber bulb or pump a button) but that's no use if you have an air leak somewhere!
Air leak could be fuel lines, fuel filter housing, injector pump etc...be cautious! As you are obviously thinking, if it was easy they would have done it before sale to get a decent price for it.

[Defender110]

It all sounds reasonable, when air gets in the fuel system it often is the fuel primer either the rubber bulb type or the filter head type and both very easy to fix as stated. If the car starts and runs OK after they have primed it manually I certainly wouldn't let it put you off if the rest of the car is ok. I've known several people manually prime their cars in the morning simply because they can't be bothered having them fixed when in reality spending 1/2 an hour fixing would be much quicker and easier than lifting the bonnet every morning.

I can get new Lucas or Bosch type filter heads for £10.95 + VAT and the rubber bulb type for £4.30 + VAT

[scarecrow]

Okay - thanks for that.

[mat_fenwick]

Fair point Kevan, IF it is an easy fix then you may get a bargain - just that I've known people where it has taken ages to find the leak...
If you can squeeze the bulb/pump the button before buying to pressurise the system, and see if diesel leaks out anywhere that would normally be under suction, that will give you a clue as to whether it's an easy fix or not.

[scarecrow]

I've decided that as I'm a crap magnet I'll steer clear of this one