Diesel won't start, fuel issue?

[Jay]

It first started on the M40 heading south. I lost acceleration and could not keep the speed up (loss of power), I pulled over to the hard shoulder, car was still running. So sat there thinking wtf happened, as I'm new to the GTD I wouldn't have any ideas on what to look for, so I started on my way again (strangely there was acceleration), there was still not as much power as normal though. This happened again, I pulled over to the hard shoulder I switched the car off, took a few DEEP breathes as I had the missus saying WTF's happening and making me more stressed, told her to shut it, took a few more breathes, started car again  and carried on our way with lack of power.

We eventually got to the A34 and had the same problem not long after joining it. I pulled over to the hard shoulder (or lack of) and the car cut out when I tried pulling away again, so told the missus to take the kiddie up the path and to get away from the road. I tried starting it, but it only tried to turn over and couldn't start up. At that point not know anything about how diesels operate I thought to call the rescue services and get my family and the car recovered to home.

Yesterday I went out to the car and got it started by turning the key 1 click a few times then all the way where it struggled to start but it did, then it died 5 seconds later.
When I turn the key 1 click, I have two audible clicks from the engine bay.
The some of fuel lines are dirty and browny/orange so I can't tell if there is fuel in them as diesel is clear.



Suggestions on where to start looking please.
 I called a local MK1 Golf specialist and he said it could be the fuel cut off solenoid, but they can't do anything until tomorrow as their mechanic is on holiday    however they do have a GTD in their yard we can swap parts out from to find the faulty component.

[macka]

Jay the fuel cutoff solenoid is on the pump, underneath the throttle cable bracket. Try rubbing some crud off of the fuel lines with a rag, and then watching for bubbles. Check the fuel filter and drain off the water, likewise underneath the rear passenger seat on the drivers side drain off the water from the separator. You may have some water in the fuel issues.

[Jay]

Sorry, I'm quiet new to cars and especially diesels.

I saw a bubble in the fuel line from the filter to the fuel pump (it's what I think is the filter, it has 4 pipes coming off it, presumable tank-filter - fuel pump and return line - filter - tank makes sense to me)

How would I go about draining off the water from the filter or separator? I'll do a search. My Haynes manual doesn't cover the GTD, but covers the 1L,1.3L, 1.6L, 1.8Lcarbs and 1.8L GTI's

I've got a mechanic coming out a bit later, but if I can get it running and cancel him saving me some dosh that would be brilliant ! Especially as all my dosh is now with the previous keeper (no lemon law in the UK I'm afraid)

[Jay]

We got it sorted, there was air in the fuel lines for sure! there was quite a bit!

We couldn't get it out easily so the mechanic towed me up the road to 'bump' start me, which got her going ! we took her round for a few mile drive then back home where he investigated further.

He had a good look around and couldn't see where the air came from, but he said to get the fuel filter change soon as it probably needs replacing and might have caused it    Been or another quick drive and she's still running well 

He only charged me £30 ($48.8USD) for a good 90mins work which is CHEAP for a mobile mechanic, all the guys on the GolfGti forum I'm on are guessing mostly over £100 ($162USD)    Got a bargain I rekon.

Defo need to learn more about the derv engines.