thanks for the help all. I stopped at the parts place down the street this morning and got another strip fuse for the princely sum of $1.35. I don't doubt that once I unground the plugs I all will be well. After thinking about it I have a grasp of parallel v. series on the plug system also.
If the plugs don't make starting easier I will take a closer look at the hoses to make sure I am not sucking air.

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andy t
'78 300d
'95 volvo 850, wagon
'86 300sdl - engine out, maybe I'll have it rolling by June

whole bunch o' bicycles