E 350, new to diesel, new to mechanics, could use advice

[beer, please]

Could leaky valves contribute to air getting into the fuel lines?

[Snotzalot]

The schrader valve on the fuel filter can be bad.

What symptoms are you still having.

[Bill1013]

Sounds like your mechanic disturbed the return lines plastic caps on the injectors, being old the O'rings under them are prolly hard and that let them suck in air when shut down. As everyone said, replace them, the whole kit. Be sure and lube the O'rings well (vasoline) before installing on injectors, put the 1st one on in the 1st groove and slide the 2nd one over it, be sure the caps are snapped down all the way, twist and push, 2 snaps, DON'T HAMMER.

[Snotzalot]

Bill good point!

You disturbed the return lines and caps when you replaced the GP's. YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE RETURN LINES, CAPS AND O'RINGS!!!!!

You need the kit, you cannot just replace the o'rings.

[beer, please]

sorry, snotz. i've been on the road with my band for the last couple of weeks and haven't done anything yet. lame. also still working up the nerve to do it myself, i'm not a mechanic, i'm a damned musician! so i have no new symptoms, but the mechanic pointed out the leaky valves, and i got to reading about the fuel pressure today and was wondering if the valves could have anything to do with the starting trouble.

bill, i've been wondering if my mechanic disturbed something. it fired right up before i took it to him, now it's the typical battle.

yes i'm going to try replacing everything that has been mentioned. if there is anyone in the austin area that wants to help that would be awesome! i promise beer, bbq, slobbery dogs (coonhounds,) and a good time!

thanks!

[Snotzalot]

What leaky valves is your mechanic referring to? In the injectors? FWIW the next thing you do before you do anything is the return lines and caps. Your lift/fuel pump may also be bad. Consider replacement of the fuel pump at your vehicles age normal preventive maintenance.