1.9td suspected fuel problem

[gnavs]

Recently i've been having issues with my 97 Jetta TD.  Seems like when i drive at hiway speed (around 110kmh) in 5th gear, the engine dies for a second or two.  The revs drop down, almost like i just let off the throttle suddenly.  I usually let off the accelerator and it goes away only to return a minute or two later.  I also notice it during acceleration, more so on spirited acceleration, close to 3000rpm, no matter what gear i'm in.  I recently replaced the fuel filter (around 1000km ago) so i'm just wondering if its a fuel pump or timing issue.  I searched thru the forums for tips and thats kinda what i'm leaning towards now.  Also is the fuel pump timing adjustment the kind of thing a semi knowledgeable person like myself could tackle? Any info would be great.
Thanks

[ricosuave]

how long ago was the tb done?  is it possible it could have slipped a tooth?

[gnavs]

ya i'm fairly sure its the injection pump.  Everything else checks out.  The tb was done about 10000 km back, the belts are new, the pulleys are straight.  I did change the check valve on the fuel filter cuz it was letting air bubbles get thru.  So now i'm off to see if anyone rebuilds these pumps around calgary.  Any help would be appreciated

[addautomotive]

It really sounds to me like you're sucking air.

Let me ask you this: When the engine "dies", if you shut the car off, does is take a bit of cranking before it starts again?

Next time it happens, I'd pull over and chack for air bubbles in thefuel lines.

[Benjamin]

It really sounds to me like you're sucking air.

Let me ask you this: When the engine "dies", if you shut the car off, does is take a bit of cranking before it starts again?

Next time it happens, I'd pull over and chack for air bubbles in thefuel lines.

i was thinking the same. Air in the feul.
maybe check the connections, if you pulled them off.

Greetz, Benjamin

[gnavs]

ya it definitely took some cranking to get going again, which got me thinking it was sucking air.  Its at the shop now and my mechanic said the same thing, that it was the injection pump.  So now i'm weighing my options.  Take a chance with a used one ( i can get one for $300) or send it in to be rebuilt for close to $1000.  I'm leaning towards the used one because of the money factor.  Cross your fingers for me maybe?

[Benjamin]

300USD??? thats a lot of! the normal price in belgium is 150€
But, you also can go for a Giles pump  

Greetz, Benjamin

[hillfolk'r]

we do this on many vehicles at work to see if we have a fuel delivery system problem
on big trucks+crap,we will usually strap a 5 gallon can somewhere under the hood,and rig up supply +return lines right at the  pump
to eliminate any issue in the vehicle

we call it "runnin it out of a bucket"
use like a 2 or 3 liter soda bottle hook up some lines,if ya have to keep the hood ajar,please tape it or bunjee it down please,ok?? :wink:
take it for a cruise and see if its better,bring extra fuel too just in case(dont ask)
if it runs fine,go after your tank+lines and find the problem

[gnavs]

300USD??? thats a lot of! the normal price in belgium is 150€
But, you also can go for a Giles pump  

Greetz, Benjamin

Giles pump is on the list eventually, i just want it running properly before i start any mods.
I just bought a used pump from a guy in Ontario, installed that and now, according to my mechanic, it sputter at really high rpm, like around 4400.  Thats pretty much redlined, so i wouldn't be revving it like that, but at this point both myself and my mechanic are stumped.  I'm going to pick it up this afternoon and see what it feels like to drive.  Any help from you guys would help.