IP Timing Issues

[npretnar]

Pulled the IP and oil filter canister to replace gaskets. The first time I replaced it, I just set the balancer disk to 24-BTDC and lined up the markings on the IP pump, mounted it, drip timed it via swiveling, etc. and bolted it up. The car wouldn't start for anything, not even after multiple bleeds. So I thought about what I did, and realized that I didn't check to see if the cam lobes were pointing up in the compression stroke position when I set the engine at 24-BTDC. So I pulled the pump again, and opened the oil filler cap and watched the lobes pointing up, set the balancer disk to 24-BTDC again (this time certain I was on the compression stroke), lined the markings on the IP spline and housing, mounted the IP, and then proceeded to do the FSM drip tube timing method once again.

This time, though, I encountered a problem: I can't get fuel to come out of the drip tube what-so-ever. I removed the valve and spring inside the number one port and put the drip tube on, loosened the union nut atop the filter housing and primed the secondary, and still, no matter how far advanced or retarded I swivel the IP nothing will come out. The primary filter does, however, this time have a big bubble in it, but is reasonably full. When the primer pump is pushed (new style pump) it makes a sucking noise as if it's completely pressurized behind it, on the engine side of the line. I then see air bubbles in the return line from the back of the IP to the secondary filter housing. The fuel tank is over half full. Should I try making an elevated test tank to place above the IP for purposes of gravitational flow? Shouldn't seem to matter in my opinion. The primer primes, the IP just doesn't seem to want to cooperate. Have I messed something up?