Diesel fuel injection priming system

A fuel injection priming system includes a fuel supply line connected to a fuel supply rail. A plurality of piezoelectric fuel injectors are connected to the fuel supply rail. An injector return fuel line is connected to the fuel injectors and in communication with a fuel supply line via a diverter valve to allow pressure fuel from the high pressure fuel pump return line to pressurize the injector return fuel line to backfill the injectors during a priming operation. A fuel restriction device is in communication with the diverter valve to restrict fuel flow through the injector return line to provide sufficient backfill for the fuel injectors during the priming operation and to allow fuel to pass to the fuel tank from the injector return fuel line during normal operation.