My 1987 TD suddenly would start. it's like no fuel flow. cranks strong and the clear inline pre-filter is full. But not even a sputter.

The manual cut-off lever is fully down. With someone else cranking it I can observe the manual cut-off lever rise fully up. Is this normal for the lever? Manually moving the lever in random intermediate positions as well while cranking has no effect either.

It the cut off valve vaccum operated? There is a short vac line on the side of the IP that appear to be rotted. Its on the driver's side, immediately below a little green canister (vaccum filter???). I wish I had a picture but it was late night in a parking lot.

What I believe is the cutoff valve on top of the IP appears to has a wire (it was dark so could have been a vac hose) leading to it. or is this something else?

Does the cut off valve require vaccum to "OPEN" and allow fuel flow?

Most my old diesels the cut off valve has been a solenoid, requiring 12 volts to open.

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1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5