[Vwdiesel] Trying to get the old diesel to start

[James Hansen]

The plunger should be attached.
Change solenoids for sure.
As Brian sez, you can fit an electric pump. A 6psi diesel lift pump is
within operating tolerances, it could stay in the line for that matter,
won't harm anything.
VERY little fuel actually comes out of the injector lines when turning it
over (the motor runs on the smell of an oily rag to start with).
Be sure the glow plugs are lit (they should get warm, use a laser pointer
temp gun)
With the solenoid falling apart, it probably is causing the fuel to not
flow- the solenoid has to be able to lift the plunger- default is closed and
down.  If the end falls off, it goes back to default, or OFF.
-james