If you follow the FSM, then you don't need to pump the primer other than to fill the secondary fuel filter. I just timed my 617 the other weekend and did both methods. They both resulted in the same IP timing, and not pumping the primer makes the job easier.

You need to:

1. Remove IP hardline for injector #1
2. Remove delivery valve holder
3. Remove delivery valve and spring
4. Install delivery valve holder
5. Install drip tube
6. Loosen fuel line (return) banjo on top of seconday fuel filter
7. Pump primer to fill secondary fuel filter
8. Disconnect vacuum shut-off line from actuator
9. Wire throttle to full-load stop
10. Rotate engine clockwise till you reach the compression stroke of cylinder #1
11. Hold short of the required IP timing, start around 30-40* BTDC
12. Fuel should start flowing out of drip tube, if it doesn't pump the primer a little and rotate the engine a couple of times, returning to 30-40* BTDC and it should be flowing
13. Now slowly rotate the engine clockwise till the drips reach a rate of 1 drop/sec and that's your current IP timing.
14. Then just loosen the IP, adjust, and recheck the timing (be sure to keep the secondary fuel filter full).