Diesel Starting problem

Anand · Post by **Anand** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 12:29 pm

Hey everyone,
Just came across this forum, and looks great.

Here's my problem,

Recently i've been having problems starting the car (1.9 CLD) when cold (takes a couple of 2-3 seconds to turn over before it starts)
I poped the bonnet, and saw that there was a quite a few air bubbles in the fuel pipe (between the filter and the injector pump), as the air was fed into the engine it sort of idled irratcally until the air was gone.
If i start the engine again it works fine and starts how it should.
When there is a large air bubble, the engine can stall when its idle.

Generally speaking the bubbles only appear overnight.

Any ideas where the air is comming from would be much appriciated.

Thanks Anand

SpikeyG40 · Post by **SpikeyG40** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 12:48 pm

hey welcome to the forum!
have u spotted any leeks anywhere along the fuel line? that could be where the air is getting in! check under the car for any drips (preferabley on a dry day!) check around any joins! but the car can't be that old, is it still under warranty? if it is, might be worth going back to the dealer! hope this is of some help

Anand · Post by **Anand** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 2:39 pm

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.

The car is a 1998, so isn't covered by waranty anymore.

I've replaced the diesel spill-off pipes, as there appeared to be some fluid around where they attach to the injectors. I only did this yesturday so not sure if this was the problem.

But as you say, maybe i'll have to trace the fuel pipe and check every join etc.

Thanks anand

Col · Post by **Col** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 10:35 am

changing the heater plugs should cure this probably(can be checked by garage first), if they're done then they won't heat the diesel and make it harder to start 1st time, air in the pipes shouldn't matter, had some in mine when i was running diesel power didn't make any difference

Anand · Post by **Anand** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 1:13 pm

VW don't make it easy getting access to the plugs.
Tried for about an hours, and without removing pipes from the injector and stuff i think its gonna be a pain.
The haynes manual is also a load of s**t.

Any tips on getting to the plugs?

Thanks Anand

Anand · Post by **Anand** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 4:46 pm

Ok, glow plugs have been changed. Fuel spill off pipes have also been changed. And stil no joy

I'm till pretty convinced its air in the feul pipe