Hey I've got a 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel that's is refusing to start. 4 Speed Manual and around 202k on the odometer. I've replaced the glow plugs, and primed the fuel pump since I had to drain the tank to patch a hole. Engine previously had issues with glow plug line (Relay cooked itself, killed the battery). The car won't even start in 105 degree weather in Utah so I don't think the glow plugs are exactly the issue here. The fuel might be bad... I drained it directly from the tank and then put it back in when I was done. It might be my head gasket... The engine idled strong, when it last idled that is. It doesn't seem like the issue here to me. Starter works fine.
I'm pulling my hair out over this! Help!
Well realize. One other thing, those have a fuel transfer pump in the gas tank that pumps fuel to the main diesel injector pump to make it run and those in tank pumps often go bad. Here's something you might try stuff a bunch of rags in the exhaust pipe then try to start it back. Pressure like that can force at the start and then take the rags out. If that works then you know it's the fuel transfer pump. Pray it's late easy
Well finally got around to doing it today and... the engine started! It's got a knock in it but I guess that comes with old cars... I'll get a new pump installed. I have a new gas tank sitting in my garage so I might as well replace both. Thanks again.