Fuel Starvation Issue - No Apparant Leaks?!

[Guest laurendo]

I have a problem with my beloved old relay that no one seems able to identify. Any suggestions at all will be greatly appreciated!!

 

My van is a 1997 Relay 2.5tdi, 149,000 miles.

 

After it has been standing, when I want to drive again I have to leave it to run for at least 5-10 minutes, if I attempt to drive at this point, the engine cuts out (due to fuel starvation), and if this happens the only way to get it going again is to use easy start. This happens if it has been standing for 2+ hours, but sometimes less. Once I have got it going, I need to drive a good couple of miles before I turn the engine off, otherwise I have to use easy start again. Once I've got it going I can stop for limited periods and it'll run again no problems. It starts first time, every time, no problems, but runs very ragged to start. I am using a heck of a lot of diesel - no surprise as I have to sit and run it for so long, but it does seem to use even more than I'd expect. Some days are better than others, I don't know if the temp or damp affects it.

 

Obviously is is a sealed system, this has been completely checked for leaks, a couple were found and repaired, to no avail. It has also had new glow plugs and a new control chip/switch for them. I have been with my mechanic over 20 years, he is brilliant but cannot work it out, also sent to some diesel specialists but they can't work it out either. I am at my wits end - I can't afford a new vehicle but I cannot afford to run it like this either!!

 

Any ideas or experiences anyone has had could be useful.

 

Thanks in advance!