Not long ago I replaced the inline and canister fuel filters. I first forgot to fill the canister. I observed the inline filling from the tank.
With difficulty in starting I removed the canister and filled it with fuel, then started the engine.
Over recent weeks, once started, the car runs well. In subsequent starting, howver, I consulted this website and started to park on a down slope, glow twice, and begin the crank. It starts, but not like it used to before the filter change.
Could there be air in the line? I have also checked and retightened the hose clamps against air leaks.
I read on another post about loosening the nuts for the lines to the fuel injectors to check for fuel flow and to remove any possible air.
Comments on that idea for this problem?

The system bleeds itself and typically stays bled. I'd look for another problem like an ineffective fuel tank vent or stuck IP pressure relief/regulator. Does it help to start if you disconnect the vacuum line from the shutoff actuator?

Sixto
87 300D

if you cranked the engine with the primary filter empty. you have air in the lines, it will eventually work its way out

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hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

Aquaticedge: The car has ran for nearly 1,000 miles since the filter change. Should the lines be air free at this point?

sixto Where is the fuel tank vent and how do I determine a problem? Same queston for a stuck IP pressure relief/regulator.
Have not tried to disconnect the vacuum line from the shutoff actuator. Where is that located and once I perform your suggestion, what would be the effect?

should, but could take longer. every engine is different

__________________
hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

To test the tank vent, try starting the engine with the fuel filler cap off.

To test the pressure regulator, pinch the rubber hose that leads back to the fuel tank. Follow the looping return lines from the injectors to the canister fuel filter. They will merge with a plastic line into a rubber hose. Gently clamp the rubber hose then start the engine. Wrap thick cloth around the rubber hose and use the lightest spring setting of Vice Grips to clamp.

The shutoff actuator sits atop the IP above the engine STOP lever. I don't know if it's accessible through the intake manifold runners of a normally aspirated engine. It'll be easy to see in a turbo engine. If the key switch isn't properly venting the vacuum signal that cuts fuel to the engine, there can be limited fuel to the injectors causing hard starting. It would cause problems while running, too.

Sixto
87 300D