[Engine] Bleeding 1.6HDi Fuel Filter !!

[geoff]

Bleeding is a play on words !!! .... blooming nuisance ...  basically my car won't start.

I did a fuel filter change 1.6 HDi and bled it up after with the priming bulb, after two seconds cranking it fired and ran for five seconds then cut out.  A restart on the key and instant fire up .... yippee I thought.

Went for an eight mile drive and returned home with no issues, running beautifully.

Next morning the car wouldn't start, bled / primed it again - no joy.

Removed the filter outlet and run a clear flexi pipe down to drain ( not literally ) and priming the bulb had some air bubbles then plenty of fuel coming through. The flow allowed the fuel to continue syphoning through so I let it for a while then quickly swapped the pipe back and tried to start again with no luck no firing no nothing !

  I've left it for the day and will have another go tomorrow.

I've never ever had issues before so a bit peeved to be honest therefore any advice welcomed.

For a full picture and maybe a red herring - I also did the air filter, oil change and the left hand gearbox mounting, probably a red herring but I mention it anyway for full disclosure.

[Solent]

There is a plastic nut on the top of the filter which is loosened allows air to get out, you will know when this is done by diesel leaking onto the floor below the filter through the drain.

Remember that the filter is a lot higher then the fuel tank, it takes a lot of pumping on the bulb to expel air in the lines, it sounds like you have an air lock somewhere.

[polar]

Geoff i always fil the filters as much as possible - usually from the old filter and then give the priming bulb as few goes until it goes hard, does not take many presses. I have never had a 1.6hdi not start first time doing it this way.

[geoff]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes the two plastic nuts will twiddle them tomorrow
Pre filled filter - worth a try if above doesn't work.

As an aside :
Can you crack open the injector pipe nuts on an HDi like you used to do with older technology engines when bleeding fuel or is it not allowed ???

[polar]

No dont crack the HDI injector pipes Geoff that will not help it bleed like PD pumps - in fact due to the high pressures if you undo the high pressure injector pipes you are supposed to replace them. Use once only item, but in practice they can be reused very often.

To be fair mate HDI's can be a pig to bleed, the rule is never ever allow air to get in them. That is why i always fill the filter now.

[Lofty]

Had similar issues last year. Changed filter then primed for 5 minutes pumping the bulb. Would run for a few days then nothing. Happened like this about 4 or 5 times then ended up with a car that wouldn't start at all. Stripped filter off and filled with fuel. Sealed all connectors with vaseline then continually pumped priming bulb for fifteen minutes. Started first turn and has been good for 6 months so hopefully cured. Just take the effort to ensure all air is purged from system and all joints are air tight.

[geoff]

Update ... and sorry for the delay .... Long and short of it :

I had suspicions it wasn't fuel and was immobiliser type issue so first step ( free ) was take the key to a Timpson type shop for them to check the chip and their machine couldn't see it ..drat

Got a new chip from Citroen - £120 for supply and coding.

Car running beautifully now, quite why the chip decided to stop working is a mystery.

[brodfather11]

these coincidences can led you on a merry dance cant they !

After an eight mile run the air should have been well and truly expelled from the system but then the nagging doubt , "are the joints air tight? "

I've been there and done it all , that's why I'm going bald , all that hair tearing .

[polar]

Update ... and sorry for the delay .... Long and short of it :

I had suspicions it wasn't fuel and was immobiliser type issue so first step ( free ) was take the key to a Timpson type shop for them to check the chip and their machine couldn't see it ..drat

Got a new chip from Citroen - £120 for supply and coding.

Car running beautifully now, quite why the chip decided to stop working is a mystery.

Weird one geoff - makes you wonder! 

Glad you got it sorted but £120 jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[geoff]

Jesus indeed !!

The key blade was still ok so didn't need a new one which helped keep the cost down.

Best part was being told by Citroen the remote control wasn't working and the chip wouldn't talk to it, I'd be needing a new unit ..... hmmm ... I then told them that upon handing over my car to the mechanic he used the remote to lock it so a rethink was needed followed by a hasty offer where Citroen would replace it FOC.

Luckily I took / towed the car to the dealership after closing time to avoid the traffic and at the rear of the workshop two mechanics were doing some PDI's on new cars for collection the next day so they booked it in and I explained the issue, gave one of them the keys and walked away. Mechanic called out to me " is the car locked ? " so I replied press the button to check and he did, the car locked so I had a witness.

How much is a completely new key I wonder and how much mortgage would it involve !

Anyway thought I'd update the post on the off chance it will help someone else.