hi, I m new to this so please be gentle ! I have just bought a focus 2007 1.8 tdci estate, love it but in a morning it doesn't like starting, though if on a hill with back end upit's ok. Been advised the fuel is running back over night maybe due to air getting in the pipe but no hole, can be found. Just wondering if anybody has had this or can help with ideas of possible causes ? There's a message on the dash saying engine system fault. Thanks

You could double check where the fuel line curves under the bulk head. I've had a pipe corrode through there as all the road salt and muck can build there. The metal pipe becomes porous though dosen't always show up with a drip, but can allow a wee bit of air to get in. The pipes attach to the filter and run down under the bulk head so they are awkward to get at and you really need the car up on ramps to get in at them.

Worth checking the push fittings on top of the filter too as sometimes they don't click in fully

The systems management light will come on if you have a glow plug fault so worth having them tested too.

I have two faulty ones and the s.m. light stays on for the first few minutes of driving then goes out.

Btw these engines need a good healthy battery with decent cranking power to start them and will turn over and over without starting if the battery is weak so might be worth having it load tested to rule that out.

Hope this helps.