Thankyou for noting about the washer...and yes I did make sure to install that with the primer pump.

I wish I could show you pictures of my linkage as I am very ignorant of it. But, like you said it does stick. I will lubricate it... Also what is the black rubber accordion piece that attaches to the rear of the linkage as it and the plastic componenet attached to it seem very degraded?

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1983 300SD White with Grey interior