Hi - I think I've got air in my fuel lines after installing a new fuel filter. It takes about 3 turnover cycles to start the car and then it runs fine until I have to start it again. Does this sound like an airy fuel line and is there a tech article on bleeding the fuel lines on a B5/A4? Thanks.

 

You may have a different problem. Once the car starts after the filter install, and runs a bit, the air will have been moved out by fuel being pumped through the lines. I'm thinking you should look at cleaning the MAF and replacing the coolant temp sensor. Both can give you starting issues.

 

Ok, I will remember the MAF cleaning and the sensor replacement but I'll give you more info.
My A4 would not start and I never had any starting problems prior. I assumed it was the fuel pump, replaced it, and was wrong. It turned out that the power steering pump pulley bearings were shot and the friction was too much for the engine to turn over so I replaced the PS pump and that's fine now.

The reason I think that my starting problems are fuel-related is that I've never had a starting problem before replacing the fuel pump.

I have not replaced the fuel filter yet so I wanted to ask if it's likely that the existing fuel filter may be clogged due to the activity of replacing the fuel pump and stirring up debris in the fuel tank which as ended up in the fuel filter.

Thanks for you help!