[Vwdiesel] Ran out of fuel?-what to do?

[Smith, Michael]

Garage called me y'day (with a huge bill).  They replaced GOBS of stuff on
my 86 Golf 1.6L NA...and now they can't get it started.
It's been above/below freezing here lately, but generally not real cold.
Only thing in the engine bay touched was the battery.(bigger one installed)
and a 
front strut replaced.  Exhaust pipe, brakes, wheel bearing, floor patched ,
1 rear strut, brake lines, oil change.....

I've never driven this car, nor have tested the glowplugs, but the times
I've started it in the yard (a wee bit above freezing) it's always started
easily.

It was very low on diesel when I took it to the shop.......I wonder if
they've run it out of diesel and if so, how do I get it primed?
Or is just a matter of dumping a couple gallons ( a few liters) of magic
juice in the tank and hope for the best?

Car had sat ~ 2.25-2.5 yrs before I bought it....with less than 1/8th tank
of fuel.  As I said, it always started and ran well....now no go.

I'm going over to the shop today with a jug of diesel, but beyond that, I am
at a loss.

Ideas?

I have 3 hours to read my mail here @ work....after that will be tonight
when I get home.

Currently it's unseasonably warm outside. 14*C/57.2*F.....will be a couple
degrees cooler by the time I get there.  I would think even with 1 GP
working the thing should start......or has the pump run dry? (any danger in
that....cranking on it endlessly by those monkeys w/o any diesel in it?)

Mike in NB