I have a 94 IDI Diesel turbo problem...When I go to start it starts up runs for about 5 seconds then quits.....try to start again it is turning over but sounds like its not getting fuel....I go out and loosen the nut on the bottom of the fuel filter and let some fuel run out and it sounds like its gargaling. tighten back up.....go hit the ignition and it fires right and will run all day long until you shut it off again...then it does the same thing....any ideas? Thanks in advance...it does have dual tanks and does not matter what tank its on.

 

sounds like AIR INTRUSION .. i spelled it in caps because it can be a big pain in the ****! My 93 idi non turbo did this too.
I would check to make sure you vasolined the the rubber o-rings good on the fuel filter.
Then i would get a new fuel return kit. they arent too pricy and only take about an hour of your time to insure leak tight fuel lines.
I was amazed at how new fuel return got rid of my starting problems. whats happening is you have just enough fuel in the injector lines to make her fire then your getting air.
make sure when you do fuel return lines that you lube all the o-rings up with vasoline as you go and be very careful when you cut your lengths of tubing between injectors cause you only get just enough. the rear crossover line that goes down under your relay can be a pain in the neck.
I would unhook both batteries before doing anything because the relay is live and you drop a wrench and makes contact the fire flys.
these 2 things probably account for most issues with non start next to bad glow plugs and relay.
if that doesnt solve it it could be your lift pump down under the manifold
they arent expensive either but it is a real ***** to change cause your working blind most of the time.
Good luck and keep us posted

 

X2, If you haven't changed your return lines I would do it just for piece of mind. Check all threaded fittings you can find in your fuel system, especially the hard lines from the pump to the injectors. Remember air in does not always mean fuel out. What I mean is, fuel is six times more dense than air. just because air is getting in does not automatically mean that fuel will leak out so it might not be a visible leak.

Good luck,

Mac.

 

I already put the mechanical lift pump on so I dont believe it is that. I will check all of this and keep you guys updated...this is driving me crazy....