Hi all,

I have the usual starting problems with my '94 Escort diesel van, have changed the glow plugs and now wondering if air is getting in somewhere (chances of starting seem to improve after bleeding).

So was thinking of changing the fuel pipe from the filter to the pump but it's got this odd cylindrical thing halfway along it which I cannot identify. see pic.

Also this thing leaks diesel when played with, only a tiny amount but enough to make me suspicious of an air leak.

Any ideas what it is and if I need it?

Thanks,

If diesel comes out then air can go in, especially overnight when it has time to buildup a nice airlock which you'll have to pump through the system before it'll start. Ask a main dealer about the part as I've never seen anything like that before but then I've never owned a Ford diesel.

...try cleaning it with brake/electrical cleaning stuff then dry it (both joints on the 'object') then apply liberal amounts of silicone all round the joints and see how it is the next morning. Looks like it could be a bit of a job to cut the ends off and rejoin it as the pipe will be old and hard, even if you do use hot water on the pipe.

thanks Lublin, I agree about the air thing, and yes the pipe is old and rigid - will need cutting off, that's why I favour replacing the whole line but this little plastic thing is a mystery!

looks like some kind of non return valve or air eliminator?