We have a "new" 91 Jetta TD. The car runs well once it has been started. The problem is starting it after it has been sitting overnight. I first noticed large air bubbles in the return line. The fuel lines were in pretty bad shape, so I replaced the line going to and coming from the pump. We also bought a new battery and slapped on some extra ground cables.
The car has a new starter. We have since replaced the fuel filter as well. Anybody have any idea what else we could check? I'll see if the new filter and fuel lines help tomorrow morning. Could leaky injector return lines draw air into the system or should I just be looking at the feed lines? Again, the car runs really well once started (it takes many cranks and often needs a jump because the battery drains out). Also, it starts fine if it has only been shut off for a few hours.
I will be changing the oil and filter soon with 0W-40 synthetic and I will probably get a compression test done to check the condition of the rings, etc.
Thanks for any help!
pretty much any diesel leak can cause air bubbles and is not good for cold starting.
Well, my Rabbit diesel was having that same problem. After monkeying around with it for several hours trying to figure it out, it turned out that it was just off time a notch
. It could be a notch off on the injector pump pully or just try losening the bolts and turning on the injector pump. It could save some time.
OK. I received my new timing belt this afternoon. I guess I will have to do a full install with measuring the pump timing and everything instead of just pinning the pulleys and slapping it on? :shock:
I have no idea when the timing belt was done last so I guess I had better get that out of the way anyways.
did you get a new tensioner as well?
I wouldn't attempt it without the dial gauge. The rest of the tools are optional IMO
Where are you located? Maybe someone lives closeby and can give you a hand
yes, and do you know how to time the cam, it's tricky. Same with the crank. the marks are on the driver's side of the car.
Yes, I bought the belt with the tensioner. I think I can handle the crank and cam timing after reading over the procedure in the Bentley manual. The pump timing seems more complicated with expensive tools involved.
Anyhoo..I was able to start the car this morning pretty easily and it was
-8C!! I think the air in the lines situation has been fixed and the 0W-40 synthetic oil seems to make it turn over much easier. The new battery probably doesn't hurt either!
:lol: