C3 diesel 2005 starting problems

wigwig

Hi there, have just bought a Citroen C3 Pluriel which is 2005 and a diesel 1.4 All seemed fine on drive back home, but it seems to me that as soon as it has sat for a few hours I am unable to start it, it just turns over and over. I rang the guy I bought it off who said it happened 'once' to him, and that what he did was took the plastic top off the engine and pumped the black rubber fuel reservoir. Well I have done this each time and each time it eventually starts. When pumping this thing there does seem to be alot of air bubbles in the fuel pipe, is that normal?
Few things to note, I am completely non mechanical minded but just wondered if this was a common problem and what the solution was. Secondly would prefer not to have replies saying how rubbish citroen/C3's are:mad:! Any helpful comments gratefully received:T!
Thanks wig wig

somech

theres a valve in the handprimer which stops fuel returning to the tank its common fault on citroens and peugeots for many years easy to replace and fairly cheap if i remenber correctly

johnnyroper

as somech says they do suffer with one way valve packing up in the hand primer ball,they can also have problems with the fuel filter housing depending on what type is fitted.The oval ones with that stupid clip are notoriously bad for leaking/drawing in air

have a decent garage take a look at it to see what they can find,if it does need either of above items do not be tempted to go breakers better of biting bullit and buying new.

somech

ive changed loads of primers on c2 and c3 always cures them but as johnny says get it looked at first

mikey72

leak off pipes are common problems if you have to prime/crank a lot.