Hi, replaced fuel filter on a focus tdci 2007, engine ran for a few seconds then nothing, now have a engine systems fault and appears no fuel pumping to filter, have i popped a fuse or something more sinister?

Did you prime the filter and fuel lines?

Diesels need priming or you get an airlock in the system.

A visit to a diesel specialist is in order if you've not done what stoney has mentioned.

The usual procedure would involve a priming pump which is like a small rubber bulb with two one way valves on it which sucks fuel up the fuel line and through the filter.

A good diesel garage or even the RAC/AA/Green Flag should carry one.

Priming the filter and lines? I was always told they were self priming that you could stick an empty filter on and crank in 10sec bursts, waiting a while inbetween.

Last time I had hassle changing the filter on a 1.8tdci I used a syringe to brim the filter housing and it fired up no problem after that

Last time I had hassle changing the filter on a 1.8tdci I used a syringe to brim the filter housing and it fired up no problem after that

Did the same with mine minus the syringe, just brimmed the housing as much as possible, started it up and revved the knackers out of it to drag the fuel through kicking and screamin lol. Didn't actually need much persuasion though to be honest. Quite straight forward.

Hi All, Thanks for your responses, I have spoken to a mechanic this morning, and he has come across this before, as in my ignorance i did not prime the fuel filter box, its apparantly a high pressure system, and he has suggested a tow start will suck up the diesel and get rid of the air lock, he has also told me to prime the filter too. Thanks Again all who responded. BilaV

The battery may go flat before the engine starts, it may be a good idea to have jump leads/ a second car or a booster battery handy - also double check you have fitted the fuel filter correctly

it can "take a lot of starting"