ggjoy

I recently changed all the gaskets on my 99 A8 intake manifold. Found three broken vacuum lines. Anyway, after it's all back together, the car will start and run for about 3 to 4 seconds before it starts to lose power, sputters, and dies. I pulled the fuel line off of the fuel rail and I'm not getting any fuel, or maybe a very small amount. The fuel line was disconnected for about two weeks. Any ideas? The pump was replaced about a year and half ago, and was working perfectly before I started the repairs to the intake. Can a fuel pump lose it's prime? IF so, how do I get it back? Or do you think it's something else?

Thanks!

twentysevenlitres

Priming of the pump can be quickly achieved by chucking a few litres (quarts) of petrol down the filler neck - it immediately fills the bowl the pump sits in.
Give that a go straight away.

If it still doesn't go, the first thing I would do is test the pump.

Just in case the filter has dried up, or something like that, I'd probably replace the filter too.

Here is the type of procedure you should use:
Make sure you hook up the return line to a container of some description - that's the line off the bottom of the fuel pressure regulator, that makes sure your pump is producing pressure.
The electrical bypass will ensure the pump's functionality, and if you hotwire 12v direct to the fuse, the loom from the fuse to the pump will be tested as well.

If the pump tests ok, I would look to the relay or immobiliser (though immobiliser would shut the engine down immediately after starting)