C5 2.0hdi hard to start

[tomandsophie]

2007 2.0hdi C5
So the problem goes like this...
If the car has been left overnight or longer it becomes very hard to start. The battery is new, and the starter motor turns it all over very fast. Often it fires straightaway and then instantly dies. Then after that it will just crank over and over and over without firing. After a few minutes of cranking (10 seconds, rest 10 seconds, etc.) it will eventually start and then it runs perfectly. Sometimes it helps if I pump the priming bulb next to the fuel filter.
Any ideas?

[Hell Razor5543]

When you first pump the priming bulb is it hard or soft? If it is soft it suggests that air is getting into the fuel line somewhere, and once the air has been removed from the system the engine is able to run.

[tomandsophie]

The fuel primer bulb is completely soft when first pumping it, so yes, I think there must be air getting into the system allowing the fuel to drain back down away from the engine. I was wondering if anybody else has had a similar issue?