Starting problem

[bertie]

I have a 99 banana with 113k miles. I have had it since 43k miles and used it daily. It has never let me down and started immediatly every time. However I havent needed it recently and didn't tax it from november, but started it and run it up the drive every week or two.
The problem is: If I start it every day or two it will start imediatly, but if I leave it for two weeks then it will run the battery flat trying to start but won't fire up. If I then charge the battery for a couple of hours it will start straight way.
If I charge the battery first it still does the same thing.
I am presuming an air leak that allows the diesel to drain back to the tank then the first batteries worth of engine spinning is bleeding the system, but I can't see any leaks anywhere.
Any ideas as to what this is and how to track it down.
Cheers

[alanwh]

Have you checked the condition of the leak off pipes ? (small bore cotton braided pipes coming from each injector)

[bertie]

I've had a good look round and can't see anything obvious, Is it worth changing these anyway just in case? I guess they are nothing special, just get a pipe with the right bore.

Thanks

[upyourkiltbatman]

think i have the same problem , mine will start sometimes straight away then i could leave it for a hour then it will need to turn over for about 30 seconds before it fires , it tends to do it more if its anywere near the red on the fuel gauge or if its parked on the flat . someone told me it might be the lift pump so im going to change that first , let me know how your getting on .

[bertie]

I replaced the leak off pipes on mine last night (less thasn £4) and ran it up to temperature. I'll try it again next week and post the outcome.
Cheers

[bertie]

Have you checked the condition of the leak off pipes ? (small bore cotton braided pipes coming from each injector)

Replaced the pipes as suggested, and almost two weeks on, it started up first turn of the engine.
Thanks alanwh, job done.