On some of the older models the Fuel Filter was not a Spin-on type Fuel Filter.

I have seen pictures where bolted onto that type of Filter Housing was a Hand Primer; sort of a large Button that you pushed.

The only think I can think without a Hand Primer that would help is if you filled the Filter Housing with clean Diesel Fuel.

Also, while I do not know if your Fuel Injection Pump has one but the older Bosch Fuel Injection pumps used to have one or 2 Air Bleed Screws on the Fuel Injection Pump Housing so that when you cranked the Engine the Air Quickly bled out of the Screw.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel