Every MB diesel I've owned I've noticed that no matter how much priming I do there is never solid fuel in the prefilter. There is about 90% fuel and 10% air. Is this normal? If not how do you get it to solid fuel. I've tried all I can think of... Held the filter upright so the air would rise to the top as I reved the engine. Unplugged the output of the filter and let fuel run out of it (again in the upright possition as to eliminate air pockets). But can't seem to get that 10% air out of it.

Wondering if this is ok. The 603 engine in my 87 300d seems to sputter up a hill. so I figured this maybe could be a cause.

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-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

A 1/4-1/2" air bubble is a standard feature. Nothing you can do about it.