Fuel Filter change??

00lk

Opel Vectra 1.7TD (1996 – Isuzu Engine)

I attempted to change the fuel filter on the top of the engine. I didn’t put diesel into the new filter when I put it back in. The car started and ran for a while but when I revved it up it would cut out. It now won’t start at all and there is still no new diesel coming into the fuel filter. I presume now, that I have burnt off all diesel that was between the filter and the engine. How do I get it going again??? Thanks

Del2005

You have to prime the fuel system. It should be in your owners manual or Google it.

shamwari

Those vectra's don't have a fuel primer, they "auto-bleed". If you have a good battery then it might start with plenty of cranking.

Failing that, get a new fuel filter, fill it with fresh clean diesel and then go again. When it starts keep plenty of revs on for a few mins to bleed it.

I recommend using a new filter because if you reuse the one you just fitted, chances are that the rubber seal on top of it will leak air and it still end up with a no-go.

00lk

Update

Since then I got the car going. I bought another filter and filled it with Diesel, fitted it, and after a lot of cranking it got going. The problem now is that if I leave it parked overnight or at work it takes a few minutes cranking to start it again.

Once it starts, after a tiny bit of spluttering I can rev it up and it drives away perfect.
A bit of white smoke comes out from under the engine whilst I am cranking it. A lot of white smoke comes out of the exhaust once it starts up.
I drive an hour to work and an hour home.
If I stopped at a shop or for fuel the car will start at the first turn of the key whilst its warm.
There is no trace of diesel around the fuel filter (when looking for leaks)

Can I get some advice on what anyone thinks I should do next please?

mickdw

Seems like there is air getting into the system slowly or air still in the system since your work. If it didnt do this before the filter change, check any fuel line connections that were touched. bleed system if possible.

Matt Simis

mickdw wrote: »

Seems like there is air getting into the system slowly or air still in the system since your work. If it didnt do this before the filter change, check any fuel line connections that were touched. bleed system if possible.

Was just about to say this, sounds like the Fuel line(s) are loosing pressure, small leak somewhere.

slimjimmc

Don't forget to check the fuel return hose that goes back to the tank especially where it has bends in it. I had a similar problem on a different car and it was a tiny crack in the return pipe in the engine bay. I missed it the first time around because it was on the inside of a bend and never leaked fuel, just sucked in air when the engine was off.

00lk

thanks for the reply

Whats the best way of checking for leaks along the various hoses & pipes?
start it and look for bubbles or something?