our 300tdi 1996 is starting to drive us nuts, and we don't have a manual for this in-between model: the car is trying to start but now the solenoid on the injection pump isn't making its 'ticking' noise, any ideas please? We are in Bulgaria, so no refers to dealer please as its a joke out here! We've just had to pay £250 to get a slave cylinder and clutch kit sent out from home, as its cheaper than driving the 120 miles to the nearest 'dealer', but they have no services.

do you want to fix it properly, or just bodge it??

to test the solenoid, remove it, see if it starts/runs ok, you will need to stall it, or crimp a fuelline to stop it.

full fix, get new solenoid.
bodgeit, remove solenoid and fit a manual or electronic valve in the fuel line, works the same way, just might overrun a touch.

solenoids should be easy enough to come by, the pump is used in many different engines. ask for a solenoid for a Bosch VE pump.

try bye-passing the solanoid power cable. run a wire from the little white clip on the top of the solanoid directly to the battery, should hear it clicking as you as you do so.