T25 1.6Tdi fuel cut-off solenoid - testing and/or removal

[gilbert]

Hi there

2 Days after a new MOT and the van failed to start (first time in 4 years that it has not started). I checked the obvious stuff - fuel in tank, power to glowplugs and cut-off solenoid. All Okay. Then I discovered that there was no fuel being delivered to the injectors. As the feed pipes and fuel pump have all recently been overhauled, I suspect a faulty cut-off solenoid.
To test the solenoid I was planning to remove it, remove the pin and spring (so the fuel can flow), and see if the van starts. (I'll just stall it to stop it running.) BUT... how do you get the solenoid off without removing everything else? It is tucked in tight next to a bracket which makes it difficult to get a ring spanner round it, and something on the fuel pump prevents me getting a socket over the top of it.
Any thoughts?
TIA
Gilbert

[Louey]

try this first

turn the ignition on - make sure you are in neutral

remove the pull the spade connector off the solenoid and then put it back on

if it clicks, then there is a good chance it is working

Have you checked for air in the system?? bubbles in the clear bit of pipe before the injector??

24mm spanner for the solenoid if you do remove it

[gilbert]

Yes, thanks for that. Did the test and the solenoid does work. There was air in the feed pipe, combined with it being parked on a downhill incline, and only just enough fuel in the tank...
I bunged some more fuel in, rolled it onto a flat surface, and off it went.
Thanks again.
Gilbert