OM603: Cranking Time Post-Fuel Filter Change

[matt87_300d]

Hello,

I'm a new owner of a 1987 300D, and am quickly growing to love this car, though right now it won't start.

I changed my fuel filter today, and as instructed in the Bentley "Owner's Bible", poured the fuel from the old filter into the new (I've since learned this is a bad practice) which filled it approximately 60% full. The engine started right up after this, ran for about 20 seconds, and died. I have been unable to start it since then.

I read that a couple thirty-second bursts with the starter, with my foot on the pedal all the way down should do it. Problem is, I've done about six 30-second bursts, and the battery is starting to run low (it's currently charging).

Should I start to worry, or is this reasonable behavior when a new fuel filter is not 100% topped off? What's the longest you've heard an OM603 needs to crank before starting?

Thanks very much,

Matt