Hey everyone, hope you're having a good holiday season!
I know this has been probably beaten with a large stick numerous times, but here goes:

I recentley replaced the primary fuel filter on my '83 300d turbo and after pumping the primer to the point it starts gushing fuel (its the old style primer) I tried to start the car. No go, so I cracked the outgoing line on the primary filter and pumped it again. There were a few bubbles, then it started squirting out clear fuel. I tighten everything up again and try to start the car. Still no go. It keeps on trying to turn over but will not catch.

I tried starting it numerous times, the battery started running low so I had to jump it and it still didnt start. I am at my wits end here, do I need to crack the injector lines and purge the air out of those?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Happy Holidays!

If that's your problem, they should purge them selves of air as long as fuel is reaching your IP. When this happened to me I had to crank the engine with the accelerator down all the way and once it blew the bubbles out things were fine. how long were you cranking it and what shape is your battery in?

Replace your primer pump with the updated version. They can be found on eBay for $18 shipped.

Yeah, Yeah,...crack the injector lines at the injector line nut...BUT Please be
careful how LONG you crank on that starter. GIVE it a break after each 20
seconds of Hard HOT work!

If, when you crack the injector nuts loose ...no fuel (after 20 secs) Start
looking for loose hose connections. [air leaks]

Well, as far as I know the battery is fairly new (bought the car about 2 months ago). I guess I will give it another shot when I get back home, is this fairly common? having to crack open the injector lines like that?
I really appreciate the help guys!

Germancar2,

Forcedinduction has come up with the correct answer!

The older style "twist-to-Unlock-and-pump-like-crazy" primer pumps were
notorious for leaking (Air-in or Fuel-out).

A primer pump is still a nice idea! The only way I can enjoy one would be to
retrofit a Racor (parker hannefin) fuel filter equipped with a primer.

Next time you change the fuel filter (the secondary) fill the new filter with clean fuel or Molly Purge and you wont need to pump very much. You don't need too 'open" anything, just pump. The problem with all the cranking is the cylinder walls get washed down with fuel, causing compression to be diminished, adding to the problem.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"