2001 Jetta 1.9 TDI AHF cuts out when driving

So my TDI cut out while driving. Nothing wrong with the battery or electrical feeds. Checked the fuel lines at the filter, enough diesel in there. The transparent line coming from the filter has bubbles in it. Tried to start, swings, but seems like there's no fuel pumped into the engine. There's a plastic line just below the injector nozzles that appears to be perished/ cracked in various places. Contributing factor? Or is it definitely the diesel pump? I've tried to put diesel into the 2 fuel lines coming from the filter and it seems to be sucked up by the pump. The transparent line is now completely free of fuel. What to do, what to do, what to do???????

Are those "plastic" lines under the injectors that you're describing perhaps the fuel return lines? Do you have fuel leaked around and under them? If so, this is likely a BIG part of your problem. You'd need to replace those lines: stock were rubber wrapped with a woven cloth.

It would help if more background information were given, such as when was the last time that you didn't have this problem, and what have you done since things had been working fine.

If there are any cracks or air leaks in the return lines coming from the injectors, the fuel will siphon out of the top of the pump and back towards the tank.