Brian:

Some pumps may be self-bleeding -- if the fuel return line is at the top of the pump, just below the pressure valve holders, this may be the case.

I suspect your priming pump is shot -- mine leaked fuel, and it turned out to be doing nothing at all. Get the new one, it doesn't leak and you don't have to screw it down. Much nicer.

Try loosening the return line on the pump (it goes to the line that goes back to the tank) and pump the priming pump. You should have quite a bit of fuel running out -- if not, you don't have any in the IP and you won't get the car started.

It is also possible that you have too slow a cranking speed -- is your batttery in good condition and fully charged, and does the engine crank at normal speed? If it doesn't go at least 100 rpm, it won't start.

Are your glowplugs working properly? Again, no start if they aren't hot.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!