If you think its a fuel issue the best thing to do first is check the integrity of all the hose connection on top of the fuel filter, and on the tandem pump itself.

 

If anything is loose air can be drawn in and the tandem pump loses its prime.

Thanks SuperbTWM for reply. Removed air intake trunking yesterday to get a closer look. No obvious signs or smell of diesel but signs of oil leak. It could be coming from pump gasket. See photo. Bought some fuel pipe. Will replace the short pipe that runs from pump to fuel temperature sender, it looks a bit suspect. Could be the pump gasket thats leaking. Once the engine starts, it runs fine. 

 

If it is the tandem pump, I was going to have a go at changing it myself. But has anyone replaced a tandem pump on a BXE 1.9. I've noticed yesterday that there is a coolant pipe that runs in front of the lower pump securing  bolt. have included photo.  I've not seen the pipe shown or mentioned on any youtube videos or even in the how to remove Tandem fuel pump section of my Haynes workshop manual.It doesn't look like there's room do get a socket onto the lower bolt, let alone a torque wrench, or am I mistaken. 

 

Try twisting and pulling the fuel lines that connect to the tandem pump and make sure they are secure, I have had issues with these connections in the past. It does look like it is leaking and could do with some attention

 

I'm sure you could access the bottom bolt without too much issue, there might be a bit of flex in that coolant pipe. I've only ever done one on a Polo so not sure if that pipe was there or not, just make sure you get the right seals for your pump, some models had 'o' rings and some had a steel gasket

the tandem pump leak could do with fixing just a new pump to block gasket  I think they used to be about£7    if the engines running OK I think you can discount a new tandem pump  as it would struggle to run properly with a lack of the required pressure in the cy'  head  I think its back to an air leak /pipe problem  have you tried parking nose down with plenty in the tank overnight?

Thanks for reply SuperbTWM. Your right about that bottom bolt .Had another look today. It's just below the hose. Tried to release hose clips [pictured] but only have pliers and had trouble getting the clips to move. Have ordered some hose clip pliers. Halfords wanted 20 quid for some. So I'm getting them online for £6.50! 

 I'll have another go the weekend.

Fitting a one way valve into supply line tomorrow. Hopefully that will stop the fuel draining back into the tank. Short term fix I know. I think your'e right about those fuel lines. Replacing them, hopefully, will do the trick. 

No hills near me I'm afraid Cheshire_cat. My driveway and surrounding roads are flat!  The engine's running very well, just the b****y starting problem. Thought at first it might be the tandem pump, but thinking now it might just be leaky joints in fuel supply lines. Yes, you're right. It looks like it's the pump gasket that needs renewing. Have removed the air ducting  around pump a few times now. Getting quite good at it!  Been under the bonnet of this car more times this past two weeks than the previous eight years!

 

Leak in tandom pump is sometimes towards the engine & oil  not externally. I still think this may be your issue - it's a reasonably common fault.

I'll renew the gasket first and check pump when it's off. What should I be looking for bigjohn.

the main reason for the oil in there is that the pump discharges it's "vaccum"  complete with oil residue back into the head,   if you have the pump off I think you will find a T and one way valve on the small pipe worth checking while its  off,   there IS a small strainer in the fuel pump side which is only there to coaless? minute air bubbles.   --------------------- I would strongly recommend leaving it sealed unless you KNOW  it's leaking diesel either externally or into the vac pump and thus into the engine/sumpoil----------------------

Edited 16 January, 20197 yr by cheshire_cat

 Taking the pump apart will be last resort. I'll probably just a new one if needed. Fitted one way valve on fuel feed this morning as a stop gap to hopefully save the starter motor getting knackered.  Will know in the morning if it's worked. 

The oneway valve I fitted to the fuel supply hose did b****r all. The engine was still hard to start after I fitted it!  I renewed the rubber fuel return hoses and fuel temperature sensor that go to pump. This seems to have cured the hard starting problem, at last! I'm going to renew the pump to engine block gasket as it looks like there's definitely an oil leak there. Apparently, so I've been told, there are two different types of gasket fitted depending the pump, so I've bought both!  But I'm not sure how to remove the vacuum hose from the pump. It's not secured like the other two hoses. It looks like It's just a push fit. I've tried giving it a good tug but it didn't budge. Didn't want to pull too hard in case I broke something. Do I just prise it off or is there some other technique. Any advice would be much appreciated.  

 

 

Damn, blast ,I do not believe it. I'm getting a bike. Car didn't want to start again today. I thought i'd cracked it. Hope new gasket does the trick.

Replaced pump to block gasket four days ago. Also applied some metal sealant around fuel return hose connection.  Not sure which of these was the cause [could have been both] but the car has started first time for three days now. Fingers crossed I've finely done it.

 

Thanks to everybody for your help and advice.