2.5TDi Injector pump worth repairing?

[Shaka1976]

Ok I have a 99 2.5TDi Avant which is in fairly good condition but has now developed a fault with the injector pump i.e. won't start without some Easystart down the manifold. (SNAP ON code 00550 Faulty start valve). After a little research it seems that this is fairly common problem. It seems a rebuild is the only way to go. My question is is it worth it? I guess I'm looking at a minimum of 2 hours labour (x1 to remove & x1 to refit). Then the cost of a rebuild which people tell me is a minimum of £500. The car has near 200K on the clock, am I just throwing good money away or is it worth fixing?

ALL COMMENTS WELCOME.....

[fjtwelve]

Had mine fixed by dieselbob at about the same mileage, just over £500 for complete mechanical and electronic rebuild,you will get back performance you didn't know was missing. Car has 213000 miles, no intention of selling it for a long time yet

[freddyuk]

I had the same fault - posted elsewhere. I changed the glow plugs but no difference. I then found leaking fuel return hoses so replaced all these which was pennies and it then started on the button.
I had the 0550 code and it was going into limp mode after start up. Try starting from cold and holding the throttle down at over 2000 revs for a couple of minutes.
It cured my "duff" pump so it is worth a try before you spend loads of money. The codes do not mean you need a new pump.

[Shaka1976]

I had the same fault - posted elsewhere. I changed the glow plugs but no difference. I then found leaking fuel return hoses so replaced all these which was pennies and it then started on the button.
I had the 0550 code and it was going into limp mode after start up. Try starting from cold and holding the throttle down at over 2000 revs for a couple of minutes.
It cured my "duff" pump so it is worth a try before you spend loads of money. The codes do not mean you need a new pump.

Already did this and the AA man redid it just to be sure. I even drove for miles to clear any air locks/ bubbles in the system but as soon as you turn the engine off it won't restart.

[freddyuk]

Check very carefully the filter connections. The two rear pipes are prone to leak. I cut 10mm off mine as i was getting large bubbles in the fuel line. It did clear up that leak point. Are you seeing air bubbles?? Driving mine for miles did not clear the air until i sealed all the leaky joints.
Hopefully you will find something as it will not be obvious that air is getting in.