This engine has a self-priming fuel pump system.

How long has it been since you changed the main (spin-on) fuel filter? You should be able to carefully loosen the "banjo" bolt at the front of the injection pump and see fuel spurt out when the car is cranked. I'm talking about the short fuel line that runs from the main fuel filter to the injection pump, with banjo bolts serving as the connection at each end.

This test will tell you whether the fuel pump is pushing fuel all the way through the filter system. If it is not, you troubleshoot back toward the fuel tanks and know its not the injection pump itself. If you do get fuel at this place, you know its not the fuel pump or filter system, but something related to the injection pump.

If you know the main fuel filter is due for a change (30,000 miles service interval) then I'd suggest you avoid disturbing the banjo bolts and just try this test with the old fuel filter removed. You should get fuel pouring out the filter attachment bracket. Just put the new filter on (better to fill it with fuel) and try starting the car.

The higher chances are with a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or broken / cracked fuel line somewhere.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles