Hi, I have changed the fuel filter several time on my superb 2017 2.0 TDI. However, the new filter I have just picked up has a plastic pipe attached as below. The previous ones haven't had the plastic pipe. What is it for and do I just drop it into the housing as with the old type, or do I need to be doing anything different?

Hi,

If your filter actually looks like the pic, I'd say it's not the right one.

I've changed the fuel filter numerous time on both TDI150 and TDI190 engines, the right one is not like that. The last one I've changed was in april this year.

It's higher, diameter is smaller and there's no pipe. Besides I don't remember it has a plastic part on its lower end.

OEM reference for your car is 5Q0127 177B. Check if you've ordered the right one or, if you've made no mistake, maybe the website didn't send you the one you've ordered... 🙄 it unfortunately happens.

Thanks for your help. It was the wrong one. The pipe is apparently something to do with a water sensor in the fuel which presumably relates to later models, but it was the one that came up on euro car parts website when I ordered it. Having just searched it again, the website now lists the correct fuel filter. Had the same problem with Halfords, who also got the air filter wrong as well...

Anyway, correct one now fitted, all good. Thanks.

You're welcome! 😉

Edited 9 June, 20259 Jun by Bap33

3 hours ago, Bap33 said:

You're welcome! 😉

Do you use VCDS to prime it? Or just take out old and put in new?

Not sure if it’s advisable to empty in completely in case of debris, put new filter in then refill with new diesel?

Hi,

I just take it out and drop the new one in. On the very 2 or 3 first times I did it, It emptied it en refilled. But I finally assumed that Skoda mechanics by dealer would absolutely not waste their time this way. This is why I ended up doing this way, and do it the simplest way now.

Regarding priming process, I don't use VCDS. I do it the "old way":

1) Set contact ON for 10s to let the fuel pump raise pressure.

2) Set contact OFF for 15s to let pressure drop

3) Repeat steps 1 & 2 4 to 5 times

4) Start engine and feather throttle up to 2000-2200 rpm for 40-50s to get rid of potential remaining bubbles in the fuel injection circuit

I've proceeded this way about 8 times. Never had a problem.

When I changed my fuel filter I used some spare adult incontinence nappies to get all the fuel out of the filter housing and to wipe it clean. It looked clean when I started. No harm in doing what I could to clean out any minute particles.

I have a Launch 919 tablet (£300ish from ebay) that I used to turn on the fuel pump for a couple of minutes before restarting the car.

For my 2010 BMW 330d the tablet has a specific option for purging the fuel lines, which takes 2 or 3 minutes to complete.

Replacing the fuel filter is a pleasantly easy job on the Mk3 Superb diesels.