I used starting fluid for my initial start-up and Greazzer is right, the world did not end. Nor did the engine blow up. I'd be careful with it, of course.

I'm not clear exactly what your issue is. Will the engine turn over, meaning, do the belts and pulleys at the front of the engine rotate? Over the years I've had people say "the engine won't turn over" when actually it turns over fine - it just won't start. If, indeed, it turns over, the most likely culprit is something to do with the fuel supply.

EDIT: Skippy is right, too. Mercedes Diesels, especially the older ones, really like to get glowed in order to start. There's a relay that can fail and like he said, the older systems were wired in series (like old fashioned Christmas tree lights) so if one fails they all fail. A squirt of starting fluid can temporarily take the place of the glow plugs but is NOT a permanent solution.

Please send us more info and we'll help as we can.

Dan