Hi all

I did do a search on this, but could not find anything quite specific enough so here goes.

Will be replacing the fuel filter on my '54 TDCi this weekend (weather permitting) and have read some horror stories about them not starting afterwards. I know you need to prime the filter, but I would just like some clarification!

I've read that you should pump out the air from the lines after the new filter is on (through the filter) with a hand pump. I've seen poor reviews of the 'hand grenade' type pump, like the one way valve being about as useful as a chocolate teapot, and I'm not sure I want to risk doing more harm than good with it. I'm very cheap, so unless someone can recommend a better one with several common applications, I wouldn't want to spend more than a tenner on one.

So, my questions are as follows:

1. Is it necessary for the air to be drawn out this way? Or would I be ok with just filling up the new filter with diesel and cranking it for a while?

2. If it would be better to draw out the air, can anyone recommend a cheap pump? Failing that, anyone got any ideas for a homemade one? I was thinking a tube connected to a 2 litre plastic bottle with a hole in it to put my finger over, but I don't know if the suction would be strong enough!

Many thanks for any help!

Which engine?

If it's the 2.0/2.2 tdci with metal canister filter its a piece of cake to do and requires no bleeding. Simply brim the new filter canister with diesel using a syringe until it wont take any more. connect the 3 pipes back on and start it up. job done.
 

I did have a guide on how to do this but photobucket have messed up my photos for it!

That's some good news - it's the 2.0. Glad I won't have to mess around pumping air out, just need to find a big syringe. The job has been pushed back to next weekend, though, through a combination of cold weather and pure laziness. Thanks for the replies!