VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: Passat_Phil on November 25, 2009, 03:12:47 am

Title: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on November 25, 2009, 03:12:47 am: Hi everyone.

I'm new to this Forum and relatively new to Diesels...
I have a 1989 B3 Passat CL 1.6td

about a week or so ago on a coldish night I jumped in the car and it wouldn't start. So at the weekend I changed the glow plugs (because it took about 15-20 seconds for them to heat up normally so when the cold nights came I just assumed they were at fault)
but it still wouldn't start. I checked the fuel last night whilst my girlfriend cranked the engine and nothing was coming through. The gauge is saying I have over a quarter of a tank of Diesel...

Not sure where to start any advice would be great...

Many thanks

Phil
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: 54321chris on November 25, 2009, 05:03:15 am: Sounds like my problem: air leaking into the fuel lines somewhere, either a bad connection somewhere or an old cracked line. You can pull fuel through the IP to get it to crank if you hook up a MityVac or other vacuum pump to the return fuel line on the IP. The car has to be turned on so the solenoid on the IP is open. Then just vacuum pump till you see fuel. I've been having to do this for a couple weeks now, been too busy to try and diagnose it. Good luck!
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: macka on November 25, 2009, 06:46:39 am: get some fuel in a jerry can and add it. Our sending units can be suspect too. You wouldn't be the first to have a dirty/broken contacts on the sending unit.
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Vincent Waldon on November 25, 2009, 07:14:01 am: Could still be an issue with some other component of the glow plug system, particularly if it was working fine till it got cold.

Troubleshooting info here:

http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=28 (http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=41&Itemid=28)
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on November 25, 2009, 07:23:28 am: Thanks for the replies guys. Will try everything mentioned.

Vince - excellent guide. Have tested the glow plugs and they are functioning fine - I'm not getting any fuel through.
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: rabbitman on November 25, 2009, 11:58:46 am: Check that the stop solenoid is clicking.
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Henchman on November 25, 2009, 02:22:48 pm: I had a solenoid fail this summer, and it was still clicking. If you want to test it, remove the solenoid, remove the pin and relace the top of the solenoid. If it start, you have found your problem. You will have to crimp or pull the fuel line to stop then engine of course.

Ian
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Rabbit on Roids on November 25, 2009, 02:51:26 pm: but dumping the clutch is extremely hard on your motor mounts.. ask me how i know..
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: rabbitman on November 25, 2009, 03:09:42 pm: Quote from: Rabbit on Roids on November 25, 2009, 02:51:26 pm
but dumping the clutch is extremely hard on your motor mounts.. ask me how i know..

Harder than doing 2nd gear burnouts? ;D, On rare occasions I dump the clutch too fast and stall ::), haven't wrecked any motor mounts yet.
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on November 26, 2009, 12:41:30 am: Sorry to sound stupid... but where exactly is the solenoid located? ???

As for engine mounts I've already had one welded just above the mount where it had snapped :o
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: 8v-of-fury on November 26, 2009, 08:24:24 am: Right here:

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm307/J_holubek/M-TDIPump-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on November 26, 2009, 08:40:30 am: Superb. Many thanks ;D
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on November 26, 2009, 10:28:37 am: You brilliant boffins! ;D

Now for my next questions...

What is the actual name for the part and where is best to buy one (uk)... or will normal motor factors stock them?

Thanks

Phil
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on December 10, 2009, 03:11:42 am: Right... After ordering the fuel cut off solenoid. Fitted - All was working great.. for about a week...

Came to use it today and it wouldn't start again... and was just doing exactly the same thing.

I haven't actually checked yet as I had to rush off to work (without a car :() but if it is the solenoid what could be causing it to fail again?
In fact... what could have caused it to fail in the first place?

I am also having trouble with the heater... it does not blow hot and the temp gauge only goes to 70... I had been told this is probably the thermastat but having got the part could not fit it because the haynes manual is useless (as am I)... could this cause damage to the solenoid?
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: macka on December 10, 2009, 08:48:20 am: the solenoid is fuel related and the t-stat is a cooling part. If you are looking for a good manual, you can purchase a proper bentley manual online.
Title: Re: 1.6td Not starting - no fuel
Post by: Passat_Phil on December 11, 2009, 01:22:16 am: Quote from: macka on December 10, 2009, 08:48:20 am
the solenoid is fuel related and the t-stat is a cooling part. If you are looking for a good manual, you can purchase a proper bentley manual online.

Thanks

I know that.. I wasn't sure if the car thought it was a temperature it's not it might stop the fuel cut off opening... however... Checked the fuel cut off solenoid.. that was ok

Got it started after following some old advice of put it in gear and move it to help the fuel through... now it's started
Does this mean it is likely to happen again... knackered pump? or will it just be a blockage in the line that has now shifted?

It seems to be working now though

Bentley?...