Bled every possible connection I could find... followed the lines, made sure there were no bubbles. Problem is I got to wondering about the function of the primary lift pump and the secondary high pressure pump.

I was never sure if the first pump was working. There is a lever to move, and what I finally discovered is that there is no actual "pump action" until that lever his moved into a "hard area," that I had never gone into before. The lever moves easily through a range of perhaps a 1 inch swing, and then there is a stiff area of about 1/4 of an inch that seems to deliver about a teaspoon or so of fuel. (I could see this amount of fuel at the secondary filter when I opened the bleed screw.) Easily a teaspoon of fuel, but only in a tiny arc of the pump lever. I have no idea if this is "normal." Is the pump supposed to work for the entire range of the lever, or what... unknown sign #1.

For the high pressure pump, I could only activate it by running the engine starter. I used the decompression levers (made a huge difference in the engine starting spin and noise etc.) Can definitely tell when the pistons are compressing fuel/air when the levers are closed... I assume that is a good sign.

But as far as fuel at the injectors... a dribble. Now granted, it shouldn't take much to make a combustible mist, but again I have no metric, I can't tell if the pump is working right and how much fuel should be at the injectors. (unknown sign #2)

WD40 did nothing as far as acting as a starter fluid. From earlier comments, I take this is a bad sign. (unknown sign #3)

I got to wondering if I have a clogged exhaust... that would seem to me to be a key item as far as making it all work. (#4)

I am going to call an engine guy. I am stumped. Part of the problem is no matter how "methodical" I may be in my approach, with out any real hands on experience, I have no idea if the responses I am getting are good, bad or an indicator of something else.

It sure seemed to want to start... but it just never took off.

We have a rainy week coming up, no doubt "the engine guy" is going to want to work under nicer conditions... so it may be a while before I find out what isn't working.