Trouble starting when parking uphill in the cold

[Op-Ivy]

1990 1.6TD Jetta

So I have trouble starting when I park uphill and it is cold out. It will start to catch right on the first turn then just spin as if the solenoid is off. Then eventually it will start to sputter slightly on each turn and then slowly catch.

Glowplugs are fine and it starts great when not on a hill. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Fuel draining back into the tank? Surely it wouldn't drain the pump completely?

Thanks, Matt

[Dakotakid]

I have found this to be a need to replace the input shaft seal on the pump.

[Op-Ivy]

Hmm I just changed that when I rebuilt my pump a few years ago. Put in new bushings as well.

I tightened up my fuel line hose clamps last night. I'll see when I leave work today if it does it again. I didn't tighten up the connection where I deleted the water separator.

[burn_your_money]

Buy 2 of these and put them on your fuel lines next time you park on the hill
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.engineering-tools.com.au/images/2-pce-hose-pinch-off-plier-ampro-t70564.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.engineering-tools.com.au/category1223_1.htm&usg=__gM0Xv23cx8eS3YGB6W-GF472dbU=&h=300&w=423&sz=25&hl=en&start=12&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=XAfzAF4ZOejJ9M:&tbnh=89&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhose%2Bpliers%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26tbs%3Disch:1

Sears used to sell them, not sure if they still do.