2.5 TDI Bleeding fuel system

[Shaka1976]

Just changed the fuel filter on my A6 and cant get it to start. I've tried bleeding it off as per Elsawin but still she won't have it. I've tried cracking the injectors off but only get a dribble of fuel. Anyone got any suggestions?

[Padwick]

I had this before. Got it started after I took the outlet pipe off the fuel filter and filled this with clean diesel using a small funnel. Also had the injectors screwed off.

[Shaka1976]

I should mention my car is the model without the lift pump in the tank

[Padwick]

Mine is also. I must have took 30k off the life of the fuel pump that night trying to start the car. It's the last fuel filter I'll ever change on it.

[Shaka1976]

Decided to call the AA, if you've got home start use it!!!!

[allan_audi]

Yeah, I had the same problem with mine, even after I got it started it would drain overnight and do the same in the morning, must have been an airlock.

I took it for a hard drive eventually for half hour or so and its been fine since. I think next time I'll bleed the system with one of those in-line hand pumps.

[Childs1700]

I followed the advice on this forum and it sorted me out.

Filled new filter with fuel by sucking on outlet hose with syhyphon,

fitted one way valve and 12V pump in line,

cracked open the inlet hose nut to the injector pump and then pumped fuel through to force out the large air pockets, then tighten up nut .

then took about 20 seconds of turner over, ( with pump Running) the engine then started.

you could see small bubbles going around hose between the fuel filter and the injector pump, I am convinced if I had filled the new filter with fuel I would not have had any issues. Thanks to everyone who posted really saved me some time.

[farnboroughandy]

I had the same problem when I 1st changed the fuel filter on my A6. Had to get AA out. He got it started using a primer pump. He suggested in future that putting some small clamps on the hoses to the filter( so that no air enters the system). Fill the new filter with fresh diesel refit hoses & remove clamps. It works for me every time.