Would running out of diesel cause problems to the fuel pump?

[elangarreg]

I have an excellent battery,a brand new alternator,and a starter motor thats about a year old.My Combo diesel van still wont start.It turns over strongly,did start once,stopped immediately.Does it require new heater plugs,I doo not know how old these are.Or is it possible that as i had gone out of fuel,all the dirt at the bottom of the tank has accumulated in the fuel filter.Would appreciate helpful ansers very much,thanks.