Update.

On a hunch, I undid and reconnected the fuel line at the hand pump. It was probably crossed threaded and may have been sucking in air.

I pumped it again and refilled the IP with fuel.

I managed to get it started, but it runs like crappola. It seems like it's idling at low idle despite being set to fast. Dropping it to low idle causes it to stall as does putting it in gear.

Another question: It is my understanding that the hand pump should not force fuel through the injector hard lines, correct?

For what it's worth, when I loosened #1 fuel line and pumped the hand pump, fuel was gurgling out at the injector. Could I have knackered the #1 delivery valve on the IP?

__________________
1974 240D "Boldie" 170K.- New timing chain/freshly rebuilt IP/replaced valve seals/injectors/upgraded stereo/new Bilsteins with Yokohamas/fresh paint and rocker panels plus lots of welds.