Metal particles in fuel filter

[Artic Octavia]

Hello!
I've noticed metal particles in the diesel filter. I observed this at the 150,000 km service and replaced the filter. I drove 200 km and noticed particles in the filter after that short time. When I changed the filter, I cleaned the filter housing and installed a new one. During the first change (picture 2), I noticed somewhat larger metal particles, whereas after checking again after 200 km, it was more like dust. Please see the attached pictures; sorry for the poor quality. Will this be an expensive repair if the entire fuel system needs to be replaced, or is this something expected on a 14-year-old car with 150,000 km?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bw1-gBs-0f-zbcYheoGtpz18k_4Sv4b0/view?usp=sharing

bilder av messing.jpg

drive.google.com

 

[johnsTDI]

Speaking of Fuel Filter i replaced mine yesterday way over due. seen no metal in mine but on yours from the pictures that could be the early stages of a fuel pump on its way out. i hope you cleaned those few metal specks out before replacing new filter? just do another fuel filter swap in 20-30.000 K's and check it again.

 

[Artic Octavia]

Sorry for the late reply. I thoroughly cleaned the fuel filter bowl and replaced the filter. After a week of driving, I checked the top of the filter again out of curiosity. This time, the shavings looked more like fine metal dust. I haven’t done anything further about it since. The last time the filter was changed was back in 2019, so it’s been five years on the same filter.

I called an experienced Skoda mechanic and explained my observations and concerns. He mentioned that some shavings could be expected after so many years on the same filter, and early symptoms of issues would include trouble starting, especially during cold starts. However, even at -7 degrees here in southern Norway, the car starts with incredible ease and barely any cranking.

I’ll check on the shavings again when the temperatures rise and give you an update. In the meantime, I’ve been running a diesel additive for extra lubrication. I’m just hoping it’s not the HPFP breaking down.

 

[pedroYUL]

It can only be either the HPFP or the in tank lift pump, breaking down. If I was you, I would stop driving it until fixing the issue.