just changed screw on filter in my 81 300D. Filter is full of diesel, inline filter as well except for a couple small air bubbles. Car won't start. Aaaaalmost gets there but won't turn over. Any suggestions?? Need to get to work tomorrow!!! Thanks!

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Wont turn over or wont fire? Have you used the primer pump to make sure you're getting fuel?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

There is a primer pump on the side of the injection pump. The fuel line from the primary goes to the main fuel pump and the primer pump is right next to it. The old style has a plastic handle that you unscrew. The new style has a black knob that you do not unscrew.

In either case, pump the primer pump about 50 times. Then try and start it.

The fuel system has to be properly bled.
There's a bleed bolt right next to the big bolt that you loosened when you removed the old filter.
1. Put a drip pan down below where you'll be working, 'cause you're going to spill a little fuel.
2. Find the pump. It's a little white plastic circular thingy near the primary (little) filter. Unscrew it and pull up. It's a little pump handle.
3. Unscrew that bleed bolt a little - leave the socket wrench on it.
4. Pump until fuel comes out. When there is just fuel, no bubbles, tighten 'er back up.
You should be good to go.

Question - Is this a new biodiesel conversion? Old car? If so, you may have fouled your old glow plugs. You'll have to change them, but the good news is, you shouldn't have to do it again for a long, long, time.

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Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra.

it runs on regular diesel, but is an old car and i know the glow plugs aren't in the best shape as it is. Would i have fouled them during this process? if so, how? Probably going to swap out all 5 in the next couple weeks anyway. thanks!

Ok, so got her running. Thing is, I spilled a good amount of fuel down below, my priming pump leaks bad. Looks like some got in the motor mount (?). Diesel is corrosive, should I be worrying about the spillage down below the filter and priming pump on anything rubber??

thanks again!!!

Clean it up with a good degreaser. Yes the diesel fuel will degrade the stuff like motor mounts suspension bushings etc. if allowed to soak into it.

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

LOL, you sound like the women........."Should I worry".........

Yes, the diesel fuel will dissolve rubber parts if kept in constant contact. But, just wipe it up and hope for the best. Nothing else you can do about it.

Change that primer pump. The replacement is a deal with fixed black plunger that won't leak.

how easy a fix is that? Looks like it connects right into IP. Screws in?? thanks!

Yep, screws in. Remove the hose nipple to the immediate right of the pump to get access to the pump flats unless you've got a set of crow's foot wrenches.

I just did this on my car...the original primer pump somehow wasn't leaking yet, but I thought I'd get the jump on Murphy's Law. The original primer pump takes a 19mm wrench (IIRC) and the new style takes a 17mm (again, IIRC). I wasn't able to get a crow's foot in there without removing that hose nipple on the right. My set of crow's feet only goes up to 18mm, but I still don't think the proper size would have fit with that nipple in the way. There's just so little room to turn the wrench that even if it fit, it would probably be easier to go ahead and get that nipple out of the way anyway. I ended up removing the original primer pump with a basin wrench.

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1982 300D, black w/ palomino leather, 203K
2001 E320, champagne, 105K (Mom's)
1999 Dodge Dakota, squeaky & battered, 142K

New style primer pump is a 5 minute job and around $25, far better design.