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Tue Nov 04, 2003 5:06 pm

hey got a wierd startup issue and cant seem to figure it out, im just learning about diesels so dont laugh, i replaced the fuel filter with a new one and found and ever since i replaced the filter im having starting problems, the car starts and runs sometimes for 3 mintes sometimes for 5 then just starts to bog down and stall, i mean all i did was change the fuel filter, am i missing something or is there a special way to change the filter on a diesel, before i changed the filter the car ran great, but the filter was 5 years old so i thought it could use a clean one. any had this prob or know anything i could try to fix it.

thanks

a2 jetta 1987 1.6l Turbo Diesel

Sun Nov 09, 2003 11:01 am

Did you replace the two o-rings on the t-fitting? Are all the hoses on fully and tight? Make sure the bottom (of the filter body) plastic drain knob is tight and not cracked or leaking.

Since it ran fine before the filter change and that is the only thing that has changed - it sounds like an air leak somewhere on the filter.

Sun Nov 09, 2003 6:28 pm

:idea: If you find that you do not have any air leaks and you still have the problem-take a shop rag and a air hose to the fuel filler. Stick the air nozzle in the filler and seal it off the rag. Blow the air thru the filler and this will force fuel towards the front thru the lines and filter. A diesel fuel pump pushes fuel rather than suction. Most the time after a filter change you must force the fuel thru the filter. Give it a try, let me know what happens. Veedo