I have just changed the Fuel filter on my diesel FL2, and being somewhat naive, I assumed that the filter would be self priming using the "In tank" electric pump . After several cycles of switching on and off the ignition only, the filter was still empty. Even after these attempts, I tried cranking the engine. Still no fuel in the filter!.
I eventually filled the filter manually, using a pipe and funnel, fitted the pipes, and started almost instantly.
Am I missing a trick here?, or have we taken a step backwards regarding "priming fuel filters".

To be honest ive not looked where the diesel filter is but on my van there is a primer bulb you squeeze to pump up the presure before you start to crank the engine over.
It will be interesting to know if anyone else hs changed the filter and what they did

My Mobile mechanic services mine and after the first service it primed it's self and started first time but the Second sevice we had to prime it by Pressing ignition on (no clutch) for about 20 seconds approx 8 times, and then it started-not sure on the official procedure

The training manual says:
When a filter is renewed a special tool is required to prime the fuel system (to refill filter)

And as superspark says, the "special tool" is a plain and simple primer bulb.
See here: https://www.freel2.com/gallery/albums/user...eeding.pdf

Andy-H wrote:

I assumed that the filter would be self priming using the "In tank" electric pump.

Thanks for this usefull information. It makes sense now why the filter remained empty, just switching on the ignition would do nothing.
The section from the manual explains all..... Thank you...

Just been in my local car spares and found that "Laser Tools" market the almost identical priming tool for a Vauxhall Vectra, for about £12. It looks as if it could be easily adapted to do the job on the FL2.
They also market just the "Bulb" with non return valve for about £5.