81 Rabbit 1.6 fuel Problem

[Familydiesel]

Hi,
We have a 1.6 diesel that ran well until it sat for a few months.  Now, when we start it, it runs ok, won't idle and will eventually die out regardless of how much throttle you apply.  It will run for about 30 seconds, then die.  When it dies, it can immdiately be cranked over and started again, though you must give it some throttle for it to start.  You can do this over and over, and it does the same thing.  Is the most likely cause of this the injection pump?  We replaced the lines into and out of the filter, so we don't think we are getting air. 
What do you think? 

Thanks 

[burn_your_money]

run it out of and into a jerry can and see what happens

[Familydiesel]

Ok, I'll give it a try.  What am I looking for?  Air, and/or to see if it runs any better?

Did you see my IM to you?  I got the engine compartment painted and will send some picts soon.

[theman53]

I had one that got some junk in the tank and I went through about 10 fuel filters in about as many weeks. It acted the same way. If you do what Burn suggested it should eliminate that and run fine... or do it before the filter and see if there is no change.

[burn_your_money]

Ok, I'll give it a try.  What am I looking for?  Air, and/or to see if it runs any better?

Basically just trying to see if it helps the situation. If it does then you have a vehicle problem. If it's no better then it's a pump/injector problem.

IM replied to

[Dakotakid]

I'm with Lucas (theman53) on this....I'm wondering if your fuel tank is rusting out. I've seen these same symptions with a rusty tank and a fuel pump which as filling (or filled) with very minute rust particles. Ya, I know....this ain't what you want to hear.

[Familydiesel]

I'll try to eliminate the fuel/tank issue by isolating it, and see how it runs.  Then work back from there- change the filter to see if any rust.  I appreciate the tips.  It will be about a week or so before I am able to play with the car again, since it is about an hour's drive away, and I need to tow it back to my place with all my tools, so I can spend extra time with it as I break free of work etc. 
Thanks again.