Vw diesel Tdi Prime Injection Pump & Bleed Injectors 

Thank you sir just started working on my first diesel, and fuel filter was my deal lost prime your video has my bug running again . I now follow or am subscribed to you!!!!

I have to say I think my favorite part of becoming a tdi owner is the vast and extremely knowledgeable community that keeps them running! Thank you so much for this video. Not only did you explain how, but also why in such simple and easy to understand ways thay even someone like me can understand it. Thank you!

Best explaination of "why" you need need to bleed injectors and the difference between priming the pump and priming the injectors I have seen on the internet.

Trained diesel mechanic here, this is a very good video. Everything here can be applied to many different diesel vehicles. Particularly the cylinder contribution test at the end. Thumbs up 👍 from me.

Thank you sir. $30 hand pump from HF. We are running. Did just what u said. She fire right up!! Thanks again!!

I used my mk4 diesel golf to prime my my wife's mk4 diesel golf (both AGR engines). I hooked fuel return from injection pump on my car to wife's car fuel filter input (wife's car got new filter + injection pump got all new seals). I put short piece of see through hose on wife's car injetion pump return to filter. As I started my car fuel from injection pump return entered wife's car fuel filter -> injection pump -> return line to wife's car tank. As bubbles mostly stopped in the short see through hose, I stopped my car. What I did not anticipate - there was residual pressure between two pumps and as I disconnected the transfusion pipes some diesel squirted out. Otherwise vorked out well.

The value of this information is priceless! I have a alh swap in a Toyota I bought it sat for months wouldn’t start thought it was electronic. Followed your instructions it cranked a while then fired up god bless you Sir!

Thank you! I just bought an ALH Jetta, and between you and the Bentley, I got my car running after running out of fuel.

Probably the best how-to video I've ever seen. Great job. Thank you

Hands down! One of the best how to videos I've ever seen. Thank you!

I was sure I was subscribed. Checked and NO. What!? Fixed now. I’ll have to check again since they are known to unsubscribe people. Donating also. Your content is invaluable!!!

I was work on this problem for two days and i saw your video. I just want to thank you. God bless you.

This video saved my butt. I forgot to re attach my fuel lines when I changed my fuel sender. My jetta ran out of fuel. I followed this video and got it started

Great video, thanks, you explain it so well! Given up on this job twice and been towed to a garage, only to be ripped off! You show how easy it really is! Thanks again, Please keep up the good work.

I followed the instructions and got it started! I like that you explained several options on the vacuum pumps. I started with a Mighty-Vac until my hand got tired of pumping, then rigged a HVAC vacuum pump as shown and it did the trick in a great hurry! The car's been sitting for about 2 1/2 years but with fuel prices spiking and this baby getting 42 mph I finally had the push I needed to get it running again. Thanks for the great video.

Just what i was looking for! Thank you very much!!! By the way your English pronuntiation is fantastic, really easy to understand.

Great video. I replaced my fuel filter and of course had problems starting my 1998 Beetle TDI. I was able to fill the injection pump from the hose fitting that you reference at the 2:56 mark. I used a brake bleeding hand vacuum pump like the one you reference. It took quite a while to pull diesel, but once I had pulled about 400 millilitres of bubble free diesel I decided to then focus on the injector lines. While my wife turned the car over I monitored the loosened line connections and sure enough diesel began to squirt. I closed the first line and the car began to come to life. By the time I had the final injector line tightened the car was idling beautifully. Next time I believe I will prefill the filter with clean diesel in order to avoid this awful problem. Thanks for this great video!

I adapted this process to my 2011 golf TDI common rail. I did an intake and throttle body cleaning so had the rail off and all the HP lines drained. Using the bleed off line into the filter, I pulled a vacuum using a fluid extractor. There is a valve that restricts flow from the fuel filter to the HP pump when the engine is not turning, so I could not fully prime using vacuum alone. The valve is not fully restrictive though. Some fuel does get pulled through by vac. Enough fuel to prime the HP pump can be pulled by vacuum alone. I just had to let it hold a vacuum for a few minutes. Then I blocked the fuel filter's bleed-off line in and did a couple lift pump primes and then cranked. It took about 3 or 4 five or so second turns to get it to start up. Once running, I let it run until the vacuum extractor had equalized pressure and shut it off. That was it. No problem with any air in any HP lines. It was a big of a mashup of a vacuum coolant fill and the vacuum priming shown here but using cranking to get the HP valve open. Because the HP side of the fuel system is so tight, you can pull a hard vacuum on it for a long time and get all the air out without worry about lines collapsing and trapping air. Then when the engine turns and the HP pump starts flowing, all the vacuum is filled with filtered fuel. Bonus here is that potential contaminants introduced during the whole maintenance get well flushed out.

I do not own a TDI but enjoy the videos. Nice and simple and to the point.

I had no idea I have to prim the filter first before starting the engine.. Changed it cranked it up ran smoothly then turned it off then after a while came back again and all of a sudden couldnt start... I was lost so now I know what to do next thanks sir 😅

I just changed my Fuel Filter and despite priming it - ran briefly now it's a no start. Didn't know about priming the pump - I have a Pela Oil Drain suction pump will try tomorrow -thanx. TDI servicing is like a black Art!

I ran out of fuel a few times with my 1.9 tdi ALH because i had a problem with the fuel gauge circuit and i never did the process in the video. I just put diesel in the fuel tank and cranked until the engine started.

Cheers for video took me 20 mins been on it 2 days! Thank God for youtube

Thanks mate, this video was massively helpful in getting my T4 2.5tdi started. Big love

This is a great video, I really appreciate the level of detail and options for multiple methods for us DIYers. The world needs more content like this, P.S engage safety squints!

I have a TDI Beetle. It was given to me. It's my first diesel. I don't like it, but my two kids do. The goal is to keep it running for 7 years until my oldest kid can drive. Thank you for this and other excellent VW videos. You're keeping the dream alive for them, and we're all learning a lot!

The final bleed is also a great way to apply "diesel cologne".

That was very well explained, thank you.

Exelent information in a easy video. I have follow the step and used vacum pump to bleed out air from diesel pump. Cranking and observe all 4 injector. There is a good squirt (1foot) comming out of 2 of 4 injectors. Still not possible to start. Ant suggestion? Vw golf 4 2001

Thanks got my 2003 tdi jetta to start because of this

Thank You for sharing your knowledge

Thank you for your vídeo. I have a volkswagen golf 4, 1.9 tdi, engine AHF of the year 1998. I should have changed the engine oil after driving 10000km. I forgot and 18000km passed without changing the oil. The car has stopped and the engine won't start. When I turn the key in the ignition, I feel a huge force from the engine trying to start. I don't know if the problem is with the fuel injection or the vacuum system. Today I changed the fuel filter, engine oil and filter, glow plugs, electrical pipe for the 4 glow plugs, starter motor reconditioned by me with new parts: solenoid, bendix and carbon brushes and I cleaned the diesel pump. I haven't checked yet: the lambda probe, injection pump, vacuum pump, oil pump and alternator-generator. I started it again, but it doesn't seem to inject diesel. I don't see diesel circulating in the injection pump hose. I suspect the fuel line is not being pressurized. Maybe that's why the diesel doesn't reach the injection pump. Please, I really need you to help me solve this problem. Can you help me?

Thanks a lot for explaining the different ways of priming. I was able to bleed the injectors with your guidance. The 4th injector of my Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI ALH doesn't spray diesel to such height as the first three sprays. It just drips and I could witness engine vibration when the high pressure fuel line nut of 4th injector is loosened. It shows that the 4th cylinder is working. I recently cleaned this injector still no improvement.

well done.I think I have a bad pump,but I'll go out and prime it,and then crack each injector loose and see if see squirts! Thanks.

Great information, thank you for taking the time to share this information!

Nice video 📹 👍

Very well presented and explained !!!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

Great video. Fixed my issue. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Thought my fuel pump was out. Did exactly what you did and cranked right up. 2000 Golf TDi. I did find a glow plug bubbling air around it. Wandering if that is causing it to loose prime

Thanks for the great video, looking forward to more, just subscribed.

First time i drain my fuel filter, i drained too much fuel, dry the filter up, and try to started the engine by just cranking it... Wrong, but i used a hand vacuum pump to get the air out, i first started by the supply hose, put back on quickly, then applied vac in the return line before the filter, and all good, car start almost immediately.

So on my TDI ALH (2002) I sucked the fuel back into the injection pump, primed the pump, bled the injectors, turned it over, re-bled the injectors and got it running. Then, a poorly JB welded steering pump pulley fell off and grenaded my accessory belt. (It ran 400 miles before the JB weld failed, which I figured JB weld woulda lasted. My friend put the JB weld on) Anyways, I build a whole new bracket for the steering pump 10 months later. However, the fuel when I try to pull it through to the injection pump SUCKS ITSELF back toward the fuel filter. Gunna try to use a vacuum on it tomorrow and prime it that way. Its just fighting me.

Thanks this helped

Hi Brian here from California we just did the first test still not starting. Same make and model and year

I have changed the fuel filter and there's fuel getting to the pump and the injectors, but there's a big air bubble in the clear lines I can see when turning over the engine. If I open the injectors and let the engine crank over, will the pump push out that air bubble if I crack the injectors open??? The filter is filled with fuel to the top and there's only one air bubble. Feel like I'll be cranking for a while to get it to the injectors 😅

This video really helped.

Hi, i have a problem on my jetta too, also just cranks but no starting after fuel change, i forgot to fill filter up. So after that balls up, i filled it up full and all the pipes too... turned the key about 40 times to pump it, just haven't started it yet... what now, should i try to start engine or must i still bleed the pump side.... it's a 1.9tdi jetta. If i may say it looks like the exact same engine your'e working on in video. Please help, tx in advance

You are a genius , Thank you Thank you

Amazingly detailed video, so helpful. I know I'm asking a VW guy but I have a 1992 Mercedes W124 300D (non-turbo) and have so much air stuck in my system from having the head and diesel lines off (HP & tank). Do you know anything about how to bleed the PES6 MW inline 6 injection pump as after bleeding the injectors only air still comes through?

Thanks so much. What would be the best process procedure to test if indeed all hard line nuts are dribbling fuel where they interfaced the injectors? On my MK4 ALH I have before had ONE stuck open delivery valve on opposite end of hard lines threaded into injection pump and therefore NONE of the lines built up any fuel pressure at all, they were all bone dry. I have added a newer BEW TDI fuel sending unit in fuel tank as it has an internal priming pump to help prime the injection pump. What should I test? Thank you.

If it bleeds.... I will get it running!!! (Arnold voice)

Could air in the pump and lines also be a cause for black smoke under load? I had the turbo replaced and still smoking and very low power under load.

How do I know when the new fuel filter is full? Until you see the fuel from the opening?

Excellent video have gone through the process had a situation of a weeping at the #4 injector from the small tubing that is daisy chained across the injectors. I cut the stretched end and reconnected it would those I’m guessing return lines cause the pump to lose prime? There is no tank pump on a 98 Tdi beetle. Also if you could tell me the size line it’s supposed to be I bought silicone hose kit but it’s not sufficient for fuel. Thanks again!

Replaced everything except the tandem pump. New fuel pump New fuel filter New EGR New turbo cassette new injectors. Car runs like crap. Idles ok but won't rev consistently over 3/4rpm. This all started with a howling turbo bearing.

Good info Richard

Great info, as always!

I like your video. I have a 1978 VW Rabbit diesel. I primed itand also added some fuel it crank but won't fire, is there a way to test the injection pump. Thank you.

My HP pump was failed and started to throw metal particles in fuel lines because i tried to start the engine without priming the fuel system 😢

I have a 2002 tdi that doesn’t run at the moment I bought it like this,... so it has a decent amount of fuel coming out the injectors when bleeding but it doesn’t have real pressure it comes up 1” or so like a hard dribble no pressure, my rpm gauge is moving while cranking and VCDC isn’t showing any codes, I guess injection pump needs to be replaced, any thoughts before I make this purchase

Fantastic thanks

Great video thanks

Brilliant video thanks

my Golf takes 10 seconds to go cold when it is cold. when hot starts immediately. replaced filter, injectors, glow plugs, capped egr, mesaa non-return valve. on cold ignition it produces white smoke. with the temperature sensor disconnected, it starts a little earlier. help me. 1.9 110hp

What can i do if my fuel is not shooting out, just leaks? And i assume thats a problem if my high pressure line leak from the nut on the engine (you losen them up az 8:52)-Those are leaking for me,where the line goes in the nut(after i tighten them down!) What can i do?

That's the hard way... just take off the rubber line on the right of the right injector and suck it with the mighty vac until the mighty vac cup is half full.

Great vid! Im getting fuel from the tank, fuel to the filter, fuel from the filter and fuel from the feed line into the pump. When I prime the pump (as in your vid) I get fuel and lots of air bubbles. Is that ok? It still won't start. Thanks in advance

Hello, I got a 2002 Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi ALH and it doesn't have that vacuum pump reservoir (that balloon/ball thing behind the oil filter canister, please forgive my ignorance). Could there be any issues without that vacuum reservoir?

Thanks!

I don't have any visible leaks coming from the pump but I do not have enough pressure to open injectors whats wrong

How would you recommended getting air out of the intake fuel line? Should I take it off near the fuel filter and suck the air out from there or pull the air out near injection pump? Great video!

Using an AC vacuum to pull from the pump and I'm not getting a steady stream. What I get instead is spurts of fuel coming through and I can hear air travelling through the T fitting in the fuel filter. My guess is that the T fitting isn't making a proper seal causing air to get through instead of pulling fuel from the tank. Any tips? Driving a 98 AHU, this was supposed to be standard maintenance, as the car was driving just fine prior to attempting to change the fuel filter.

My alh runs great on that diesel cologne!

So on my 86 JETTA TD I would use my vacuum tank on the “return line” is what I’m seeing here?

I’m finishing up an engine swap this weekend, would running a little 12D micro pump before the filter on a 12V switch be a decent option for priming the pump and filling the filter as well?

Curious if you can help me. My 01 Jetta has a fuel leak at the little black/grey box with a plastic line coming into it that’s on the front of the injection pump at 3:12 can you please tell me what this piece is called so I can try and find parts to fix this

Very nice videos. I have a 2003 VW golf 1.9 alh. I rebuilt top end and timing belt at the same time. The car runs SUPER great (212K). However the car is hard to start when you let it sit for a day. There is no visible fuel on injection lines. Air is getting in somewhere, injection pump shows no leaks (Total Air is visible in fuel line). The "t" on fuel filter is new. Please note there were no STARTING ISSUES BEFORE REBUILLD? I am going nuts with this problem any help would be appreciated. Can injection lines still contributing to this problem? They were the only thing removed as far as fuel related.

if i'm not getting 6-10 inches high of fuel how do remedy this? already primed the fuel pump but its taking a lot of cranks

Great content on this channel keep up with good work. Do I need to bleed injectors after changing leak off pipes from the injectors? I'm planning to change this pipes on ALH and not sure that it is plug n play job. ;)

Good afternoon, I have a problem with my jetta a4 1.9 tdi 2001, to start it I put starter fluid because only then it starts, after starting the engine it is unstable, the start of the actual injection varies a lot and the deviation of the injection quantity in cylinders it is, cylinder 1 = 1.88mg / str, cylinder 2 = 1.88, cylinder 3 = -1.88, cylinder 4 = -1.88. can you help me please, THANK YOU.

I have a 2004 TDI and I can’t find these nuts that you are loosening?? Where else could they be? They are not out in the open like this..

Hi I have 2003 Skoda Octavia mk1 TDI which has the same engine built. From couple of months back I have noticed my car barely makeup above 2000 rpm and lack in outputting expected power delivery of which it is capable. It would be helpful if you could suggest some thing.

Thanks. Yep I am the do it yourselfer.

I wonder if this would work for my '85 Volvo with a D24 in it. Injection pump looks different.

Great video, How would you proceed in order to bleed the tandem injection / vacuum pump on a MK5 BKD 2.0tdi? I have re-sealed the tandem pump and can't start my engine. A fan from France.

Thank you for this. I have 2003 ALH tdi which takes about 10 secs of crank to start cold, after that it starts fine. I'm guessing the fuel delivery is OK, it just maybe drops overnight? Thanks.

Hello I have a skoda octavia 1.9 tdi 2005 model. As there was a power loss I have change the turbo and the power has increase but my friend say there is much more of the power this machine can make. Please advice me what to do to increase its stock power

I use a shop vac for the fuel and anti freeze

Doesn't work for me with any of the methods shown other than the vacuum pump. Going buy one now to try it out. It seems like air keeps getting back in no matter what bc you can never fully get it out using diy methods.

Hello, I have a hand pump, do i need to keep pumping until there are no bubbles?

I followed your excellent advice and it worked however 3days later it cut out again,noticing many air bubbles in the fuel lines before the pump and the injectors don’t squirt as high as yours? Do you think the pump is going bad? Thanks

Great video, I'm in the process of rebuilding an AGR for my Mk4 Golf tdi. Purchased the engine from a breakers with 99 000 miles on it but was not confident in fitting it without a complete strip down and very close inspection. Also looking to refurb my injector pump with a new seal and gasket kit but not sure yet on how to set up the timing again, any information?

How but us normal people that don't have a vacuum pump..

What were you using to clean up at the end?

So if I can roll start my jetta, will bleeding the air from the injectors rid the fuel system of air?

great video, thanks for the info. I've never worked on diesels, only done gas mk2s and 3s. The info you explained was really useful. Out of curiosity, what camera did you use to record this video? I really like the way it looks

Hi- I have a t4 2.5 tdi 1999. Dose the injector pump draw fuel from the fuel tank, or is there a separate fuel pump as my t4 is getting no fuel. Thanks.

I have an 84 1.6 diesel and I’m doing this process. If one of my injectors does not spray like the others. What could be the issue?

What if it isn’t squirting 10 inches high?

What’s something like this cost to get done?