Well, this thing is weird. Probably risk of damaging fuel pump isn't great but in case if it is damaged then the repair bill will be very, very unpleasant

The CR (Common Rail) TDI engines should not be operated without fuel which may be an issue after repairs such as fuel injector and fuel filter replacement. The electric fuel pump, located in the fuel tank or externally mounted in-line, can be operated via basic settings to fill the system.

These instructions do NOT apply to the VE TDI Engines.

The PD and PPD TDI engines are not as sensitive to low fuel volume however those engine management systems typically include provisions for electric fuel pump priming.

Thats from ross-tech site

I was on the understanding that the PD fuel pumps self-prime with the ignition, therefore cycling the ignition a couple of times fills the system.

 

The CR is apparently different somehow?

 

Saying that our 2016 Octavia audibly primes the fuel system just before the engine starts so in short - I've no idea 

The PD engine lift pump pretty much primes up to the tandem pump which only pumps up to around 10 bar so the tolerances arn't so fine and probably won't ruin it if it runs dry and also it primes easier. The only time I havn't got away with it on a PD was when I didn't fill up the fuel filter with fuel. It took a lot of cranking for it to start.

 

The CR engine fuel system has an extra auxiliary pump that feeds the HPFP and i'm not sure whether or not this runs for a second or two when you put the ignition on. This is why there is a bleeding procedure involving running the lift pump and then the aux. pum to make sure the HPFP always has fuel in it. In addition to this the HPFP is highly likely to be damaged by turning the engine over with no fuel in it. 

 

If you fill up the fuel filter with diesel you will probably get away with no priming but I wouldn't want to risk it but then again I already have VCDS so its easier

Stupid idea really. I don't think the fuel tank has a cut off like the older Superb V6 did for low fuel. If a customer run out of fuel they can't just refill and crank it over, it has to go in diagnostics. Rubbish.

Edited 1 June, 201610 yr by Tech1e

To be honest if you run out of fuel you deserve it to be a massive ball ache.

plies or drill them out. easy...first year knowledge of boy machinist ;-)

I had a right ballache with my cr170 cega.

I drained the housing afilled back up with clean diesel and redex,to the brim infact,once filter was in of course.

Popped lid back on and gave it 2-3 mins to prime.

Turned over until the oil pressure light came on,cr@p i thought.

 

Out come VCDS and repeated process 3-4 time's to be extra sure air was out.

 

Nothing

 

Cranked it almost 15 time's and nothing...started to cr@p myself as i was supposed to be taking mrs to hospital next day.

 

Threaten it with GreenFlag fired straight up.

 

Never again.

 

I send oil and oil filter to garage and they charge me £30 for labour so i get a stamp in the book. Fuel filter is going with it next time.

 

Any other work i do myself.