I can't tell from the pic but the return line also needs to be submerged. You have no hose clamp on the return line, it needs one there to make sure it does not leak. Is there a hose clamp at the black supply line to the pre-filter? You must have one there for the same reason. I see you have rags all over to soak up diesel, in places that should be dry. During priming, the only place that should wet is the return banjo bolt that you loosened to bleed air. Any place else should be dry! If not dry, those are leaks and needs to be corrected first!

The fuel level in the brown line (pressure valve line) should be full to the top, all the way to the clear line, which must be full with fuel all the way down to the bottle.

The fact that the level of the fuel in the brown line is down to the glow plug suggests:

1. Priming was insufficient.

or

2. The pressure valve banjo aluminum seals are leaking and/or the pressure valve (ball) is not sealing.

or

3. The IP may have a leak somewhere.

I'd suggest wash off the diesel with Simple Green and water then let it dry. Stuff a rag tight under the pressure valve while bleeding, which is the only area that should be wet. Anywhere else that gets wet is leaking and needs to be fixed.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked