So far I've been sufficiently lucky to have changed the main fuel filters on both the 1987 and 1982 300Ds without any priming activity (either pump or loosen fuel lines) necessary. Really surprised me on the 1982 not to have to prime.

The tip for doing this on a warm car is a good idea.

A can of Diesel Purge is more than enough to fill the new filter. It is mostly diesel anyway. I'd use that or fresh diesel. For my part I'd rather just dump the fuel from the old filter. (You don't fill a new oil filter with the oil from the old, do you?) I get the new filter nearly in place (you might have to turn it sideways to do so) and then fill it.

I have a great respect for the PEH maintenance philosophy. But in the case of the main fuel filter I plan to replace it on the MB maintenance schedule whether clogged or not.

The 1982 just caught and ran. The 1987 caught and ran for five seconds, then missed and stopped. Another 5 seconds cranking and it ran from that point. Air bubble. If you did the pre-filter also, then you would have a larger air bubble to clear.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles