1983 300SD. Could not start the car after is stood for awhile. I needed glow plugs but that was not the problem. I knew I had an air leak but could not find it. I finally tried everthing and as a last resort tightened the fuel filter down real tight. That did it. No more starting problems. I cannot believe that the filter was the problem. Must have loosened up over time. I will never take anything for granted anymore. Thank you for all of the help. Dennis

Loose filter = air leak direct to injection pump.
Very glad it was simple.

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loose was it? like hand tight?
how tight did you have to tighten it?

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It had to go more than hand tight. I had to tighten it with a socket on the top bolt. That was the first time I had to do that. I have owned a 1983 300SD since 1989 and that suprised me. Maybe the filter was bad at the seal.