Diesel engine won't restart when hot

Tiny
SHABY
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 216,000 MILES
Our 2008 Diesel golf is terrific. Except. Recently after driving for 30 minutes +, if we shut off the engine and then try to restart within a few minutes, it will turn over but not start. All the electrics will work, but it just won't 'fire'. If we leave the car for 20 minutes or so, it will then start and we can continue on to KFC or church, depending on the time of day. It gets quite annoying especially if we pull up and cut the ignition in a no stopping or no standing zone. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Saturday, March 1st, 2014 AT 3:01 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
Start with the basics. When was the fuel filter last changed?
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Sunday, March 2nd, 2014 AT 8:15 AM
Tiny
SHABY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The fuel filter is probably a year old to 18 months old. The engine doesn't cut out so I was thinking it probably was not fuel related, more electrical. However you guys are the experts. Is 18 months too old for a fuel filter?
If you have a minute I would love to learn the logic behind your question. How could the fuel filter be affected by the engine being hot - I just don't get it.
Thank you for responding tho'
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Sunday, March 2nd, 2014 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
You have high miles on this vehicle so theres a chance of wear on the fuel pump both electrical and mechanical. A restrictive fuel filter can cause the electric pump to overheat. And the fuel filter is too often neglected. That said the time frame seems acceptable, though every 50 to 60 thousand miles is the rule of thumb for a change. Diesels run only on compression, so theres no spark plug. The only electrical that would heat up and prevent running then in this case is in computer control of the injectors. Always good to start with basics first in any case. Make sure your charging system is charging after getting hot as well. The whole car depends on it
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Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 AT 4:41 PM

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