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Car won't start after replacing fuel filter

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Swapped the fuel filter over this morning, definitely the correct one…

It's a 1983 gti, 1.8, pretty sure a DX engine code (8 valve)

Battery was disconnected when I did it, not sure if that makes any difference.
Go to start the car after the swap and obviously need to wait a bit for it to fire up for the fuel to get through, however it wouldn't start. Ended up trying for so long the battery went a bit flat, so I charged it up then tried again this evening. Before I tried again I cracked off the supply line to the filter, didn't look like any fuel had appeared yet. Tried again, same story.. battery went flat again and still no fuel had made it to the filter.

There is fuel in the tank, its just at the start of the red so not much, but is still more than enough! Car is on the level as well.

Should I have added fuel to the filter before refitting? Didn't see any mention of this on any guides

Please help!

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Car won't start after replacing fuel filter

Oh no, hopefully some one will be along shortly to help!

I'm about to tackle the same job for the first time so would be interested to know


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1991 Black Sportline 1.8 GTI Cabby - gone

1983 Papyrus Green 1.5 Auto GL Cabby - gone

1984 Nevada Beige MK2 Golf 1.6CL LHD Auto - gone

1981 Schwartz Black MK1 Golf 1600 GTI - gone

Currently Mk1less!

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So the fuel pump isnt running with the ignition on.  i'm not a GTI enigne expert so I dont know where the signal to run the pump comes from.

with the ignition on try wiggling the power line to it, see if it kicks in

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How do you know there is no fuel in the filter?

You can remove the fuel pump relay and remove the relay below it, turn that relay around till it lines up and fit it in the fuel pump relay slot, this will make the fuel pump run with the ignition on and the car not running.

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
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