I am not too sure about the 87 model, but on my 81 300CD it took quite a bit of pumping on the primer pump to get the system filled with fuel so I could start it. When I first put on my new filters, I pumped it a few times, started it up and it died about 2 secs later, then after countless pumps, it was finally ready to start up and get a move on.

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1981 300CD 260k w 60k on new motor
1983 240D 4spd Manual