E39 525TDS Keep runnng out of diesel

[malle pietje]

concerns my 1997 525TDS

When the tank is on 30 liters or less, when turning on a corner, I keep sucking air into the system. When driving straight, it's the same when on less diesel, but still the same. Result is running out of diesel, so stalling, and starting problems when there's less then 30liters diesel in it.

It's obvious it's sucking air, because there are bubles in the transparant fuelline behind the dieselfilter, unless I've just filled it completely. There's bubles in the line even when there's more then 50 or so litres left. So far I've changed replaced the sucktionpump, checked for worn seals or leaks in the diesellines, but couldn't find anything.

Is there any abvious faults I'm missing or forgetting?

Would be very greatfull to sort this out, refilling after every 450km's is a pain in the...

thanks!
Frank

[malle pietje]

Anybody?

[Jack Dabsy]

I would have a look inside the fuel tank at the pick-up filter first, and maybe put a one-way filter/valve in the fuel-line just before the diesel pump...
Another idea I had was that a diesel-pump seal had failed but that would cause your symptoms regardless of how much fuel you had in the tank !

[malle pietje]

I took a look inside, couldn't find anything. Maybe I'll tryu and put a one way filter in..Thanks!

[Jack Dabsy]

Worth a try mate... this might purge a bit of air lol

[toadfish83]

not sure about the e39 but is there a pipe from the pickup to the fuel lift pump if so check it isnt cracked or perrished check it when the car is 1/3 full and check ware the fuel leval meets the pipe i would put money on it if that is the problem that is ware it will be

[gidgaf]

That's if the lift pump is working at all.
I'd check to make sure the lift pump is working, then check the lift pump for time/volume, then replace the filters. I've heard of a few folk that had to reverse blow thru the disconnected diesel fuel lines with compressed air to get rid of the accumulated goo.