My van won't start, 1.8 diesel non turbo 1997.

It started twice for about 5 seconds then died. Could it be an air lock or the fuel shut off valve if so how do i test/fix it?

 

There is a valve just above the fuel input on the pump, undo this and pump the hand pump to bleed any air out of it. Much like bleeding a radiator.
Once you're sure all the air is out prime it some more using the hand pump and crank it will you pump the hand granande.
If it still fails to start undo one of the injector pipes and see if theres any fuel comming out while it cranks.
If theres no fuel comming out you need to check theres a live at the stop solinoid. I'm not sure 100% if theres a security plate on this pump to stop you getting at the stop solidnoid. If there is then the pump will have to be removed and the plalte ground off.
Is there light under the clock flashing or is it going off when you turn on the ignition?

 

The oil light stays on for abit but didnt do it when its was running okay. No other light flashes. It starts when pump is primed on the filter.

 

Oil light is just the oil pressure, it will stay on for a while because the engine aint really spining fast enough during cranking to get it to build up decent pressure.
If it starts when he fuel system is primed, you have an air leak.
Prime the system and keep pressure on the pump and you should be able to find the leak. It's more than likely a seal on the fuel filter or the leak of pipes on the injectors

 

Had this once took me bout two hours to get going. Get an air line (compressed air) blow down the return fuel line whilst turning engine over when starts quickly put return line back on.

 

Turned out to be a faultly shut off switch. Changed for a volkswagon one which was told are better, pain of a job had to cut through the caseing!!! Job i wouldnt recommend!!!