change fuel filter now no start

[Dave]

All should have been fine.  Nice new MB replacement filter, cleaned canister, new gasket.  Engine coughed, ran a little, then died - as usual.  Normal starting process should start right up now.  Got out, tightened canister bolt, solving minor leak.  Now the engine cranks and cranks, won't hit, not even once.  Tank full of fresh fuel.
Anybody have any ideas?  WTF?

[ja17]

Depress the accelerator pedal all the way and crank away. It takes a long time to fill those long injection lines with fuel. 

In the most sever cases, remove all the spark plugs, crack loose the injection lines at the injectors, depress the accelerator pedal all the way and crank the engine. When fuel emerges at each injector, tighten the lines. Install all the plugs and start it up.

Happy Motoring!

[Dave]

Thanks Joe.  I've been cranking, and I probably wimped out a little early.  Do you think I should check anything else?  Screens on fuel pump under car, etc?  It ran ok before.  Maybe I should crank away first, then check?  I'm afraid of making it worse by opening up more things.  Maybe a shot of starting fluid?

[ja17]

Hello Dave,

If the fuel canister was not badly contaminated with dirt and rust, your filter screen in the electric fuel pump is probably ok. Crank more with full throttle.  It just takes some  cranking.

[Dave]

Jackpot !
Thanks for talking me off the ledge, Joe.  Did like you said, kept my foot in it, and cranked away.  Fresh oil, grease, fuel.  She lives!

[ja17]

Happy Motoring Dave!