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How to start VW Transporter 1993 after running out of diesel?

The fuel dial is not working as well as it should.....pointing to 1/4 full when it was empty. Do I need to bleed the engine or can I keep turning the engine over till it starts again. The battery is running low and it hasn't fired yet. I'm not a mechanic but I'm willing to give it a go. Is there a good car fix it website out there in cyberspace? Thanks

Public Comments

1. Diesels are tricky to start after they have run out of fuel. Air bubbles in the fuel system just keep compressing and the engine will not fire. Another problem is that lots and lots of gunk is collected in the bottom of the tank, and even though there should be a screen and fuel filter somewhere in the line, dirt particles can get in the line and cause a blockage. In past experience of trying to start a diesel after it had run out of fuel turning it over from the battery was not enough, maybe be enough to start it for you, but it was just running my battery down. We used a large transit van and towed the car around the block, I put it in 3rd gear and very VERY slowly lifted the clutch. The engine turned over quite aggressively and a large cloud of smoke was emitted from the exhaust. After a few seconds the engine started and I've had no problems since. Good luck, Matty :D
2. make sure the battery is fully charged, you have fuel, and while cranking the engine, loosten on of the injector and expel any air.
3. Hi The fuel system has to be bled on the top of the fuel filter housing is a 10m bolt loosen it and then using the hand primer pump the fuel up till no bubbles of air come out then tighten bolt and start engine