I have been having issues with a beloved air leak in the fuel lines , replaced the fuel filter a few months ago and 2/3 times it had started for a couple of seconds then cut out , I have eventually worked it down to air in the fuel lines as every time I have to bleed the lines then it runs fine 

now the weather has cooled down it has happened 3 times in the past week 

Has anyone experienced this before or have any ideas of a solution 

(2008 2.0 tdci )

My suggestion is to get a vacuum pump (Mityvac but cheaper ones are available - suggest one that does vacuum and pressure and ideally has lots of adapters and blanking plugs)
Changing the filter and having problems is a bit of a clue and there are often issues with O-rings being incorrectly place on some filters?
Then isolate the section of fuel line from where it enters the filter from the tank to the return line.
Draw a vacuum on that. If it holds then it's between engine bay and tank (I'd be surprised)
Then if it doesn't hold, isolate sections in turn i.e. across filter housing, across HP pump, across return lines etc until you find the section that doesn't hold.
Then fix it but you may need connectors to do that such as:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164492914906
Need to measure pipe and coupler dimensions carefully to get the right ones.

There's also a quicker possibility of coating the joints with Vaseline/grease which may block the leak but you'll need to record carefully which order you do them in.

Also ideally, there's a transparent section of pipe to watch for air bubbles which can be used to check if you are getting anywhere.

The possibility of tiny cracks in filter housings/fuel heaters etc etc, especially plastic one needs considering.

Lets know how you get on and don't dare be a OPW!

15 hours ago, Matt12 said:

replaced the fuel filter a few months ago and 2/3 times it had started for a couple of seconds then cut out ,

This is a common problem after the fuel filter has been replaced. In almost all cases it is because the gasket has been placed on the wrong side of the filter. It seals (kind of) but does allow air in the fuel line when the vehicle is just standing.

 

Agree with unofix.

I purchased a hand primer pump on fleabay and left it in permanently.

With the clear pipes I could see the air bubbles and adjusted to eliminate