Ongoing engine woes - latest theory

[KellysEye]

I assume the Eber is above the fuel tank and has a pump to lift the fuel, if so then fuel shouldn't flow back through the pump. What I would do is put talcum powder around all fittings, bleed screw, where the filter bowl screws to the filter and the drain screw at the bottom. Also put it on the connections to the Eber. When the engine stutters the air leak will let diesel out and you will see it in the powder. If you think the leak might be elsewhere put the powder there too. I too am not a fan of CAV filters we always had Racor filters with clear bowls so you could see any dirt and water.

 

[prv]

I then tried to bleed it using the bolt right at the top of the filter however this appears to be above the top of the fuel tank and therefore it was no help whatsoever!

You want an outboard motor style squeeze-bulb just after the tank takeoff, so you can pressurise and bleed the whole system.

Pete