Low Fuel Pressure After Head Replacement

[2005 NB POS]

My 2005 diesel NB had to have the head replaced because of broken valves (135,000 miles). The (non-stealership) mechanic believes the problem was caused by the timing belt, which was done by the stealership, slipped since the bolts on the left side of the wheel (pulley?) were loose. He has replaced the head and fixed the timing belt issue. If they spray starting fluid on he injectors, the car starts and runs until the fluid is gone. There is fuel coming out of the fuel pump and it goes through the fuel filter, but at too low pressure.

What is wrong? Is there a (reset) switch on the fuel pump (or anywhere else) that kicks in if the engine breaks? Is there a vacuum created inside the fuel pump created by the engine dying that is now causing this problem? Did the engine dying kill the fuel pump, too? What is the correct psi for the fuel? BTW, there is fuel in the tank.

What is the likelihood of a repeat head problem?

Have there been enough dead engine problems at around 135,000 miles that VW might issue a recall in the future?

Thank you.

[jason m]

What fuel pressure is he rcording? Best guess is he mistimed the injection pump. There is a fine adjustment on it that is addressed when timing belt is installed. If it is off it will be hard to start. This would be due to late or early fuel injection timing, NOT fuel pressure.