Mk4 golf fuel start up problem

[JDR33]

Hi all,

I've got a mk4 Golf GT TDi and been having an issue starting it up lately. On the mornings before work it will crank up but splutters before cutting out. Takes around 2-3 attempts to get it running properly and its all good throughout my journey. When I fill up with diesel it seems to struggle a lot more with 5+ attempts of cranking to get running even though the engines warm.

I've heard it's something to do with the fuel flowing back to the tank when left. I changed two pipes (the ones above engine) which worked a treat for 2 days but unfortunately went back to its old ways.

Not sure where to go from here would it still be something to do with the pipes or is it my fuel filer/ pump?

Thanks.

[Tony1963]

If changing one of the pipes did the trick for a couple of days, I wonder if air is getting in or, as you've said, fuel making it's way back to the tank.

[Demelitia]

If all the fuel lines are original, I’d be going straight for them and their connections given their age. Buy some fuel line of the right size so you already have itto hand then go for a poke about; flex them where they go around corners and such. The pleats on the inside of the curves often mask the location of splits.