Jim:

You will probably need a new fuel sender -- they "melt" when not immersed in fuel and won't work, also shed black goo that is definitely NOT good for the rest of the fuel system!

I suspect you also need a new priming pump -- the leather or rubber "seal" at the bottom goes bad, and while fuel will draw up, it sprays out the top of the pump rather than being forced into the fuel system. You may need a crow-foot wrench to replace it, I did.

Replace all the rubber fuel lines from tank to pump and from pump to fuel filter (the clear plastic ones only come with new ends, you can replace them with standard fuel line and a clamp) if they are at all iffy. The lines from the steel tubes to priming/supply pump and from pump to filter are usually the worst. I've known more than one MB diesel to be junked because the hose to the supply pump was bad and it wouldn't start anymore!

Have fun!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!