Car won't start after fuel filter replacement

[gmoore]

I replaced both of the filters in my 1985 Mercedes 300D and now my car won't start.

The replacing of the filters was easy, but then when I tried to prime the filter to bleed the system I had trouble with my primer pump.
The pump is the original style with the white knob.
The priming filled both of the filters, but I think there is air somewhere in the system.

When I pull the pump out fuel spills out from the pump itself, but no fuel spills out when the pump is locked. Does my pump need to be replaced?
Even though fuel comes out, the pump did fill both filters so it sounds the pump can't be completely shot.

So now my car won't start, and I'm afraid to just crank on the starter for fear of blowing the starter or killing the battery.

Any ideas on methods to getting this issue resolved?