Strange Problem No Start-Fuel or Oil?

[drshoebocks]

1982 Rabbit Pickup Diesel
Recently changed all fuel lines.
Currently cannot get it to start.  I tried starting straight from a fuel can and  still no start.  I can see fuel running from the fuel can to the injection pump and there are no bubbles.  As soon as I stop trying to start a big air bubble moves back towards the fuel can.  Noticed a little a fuel at the first injector return line so I made sure it was tight.  
There is another issue which is very puzzling.  When we check the oil level it doesn't read.  The oil is full, in fact, my girlfriend over filled the oil becasue it was reading empty.  No oil is leaking.  I removed some oil because I felt this may cause a problem with compression.  Basically I cannot get an oil reading.  What can cause this, and could this be related to the no start.  
At this point I'm just looking for ideas as to my next steps in getting this thing running.

[drshoebocks]

Should I have more information, or is this stumping everyone?  Anything that I can try at all, would be greatly appreciated.

[blkboostedtruck]

pull start! thats what i do with a vehicle that i get after it's been sitting for a while or after doing major I.P. work! it will get the fuel primed up to the injectors good for them to pop! make sure you have operable brakes!!
be carefull and good luck!
thanks Duane

[drshoebocks]

How fast do I need to get it going, and should it be in gear, I assume first.

[blkboostedtruck]

just enough that the motor is turning over 1000rpm or more 2nd gear will do if being draged by a gas car. if being draged by another diesel rabbit or sort I usually use 1st gear will do! be carefull and good luck! let us know when it runs!
thanks Duane

[jtanguay]

no don't use 1st.  there is a lock in that gear that stops the wheels from turning (like putting the car in park on an auto) use 2nd gear.

[drshoebocks]

Great
I will try it today or tomorrow and let you know the results.

[drshoebocks]

Dumb question, but
Should the clutch be in or out, and the key I assume would be in the on/start position?  I've never done this before and just want to make sure I have the process down.

[jimfoo]

Key on, clutch in until up to speed.

[drshoebocks]

I pull started it the other day and after a bit of stalling out got it running and drove it around for a while.  There was a ton of bubbles in the fuel line going to the pump, so I assume I definitely have an air leak, and I suspect this to be from the hard line to the filter.  Going to take it all apart and see.  Great to have the car running though.

[drshoebocks]

I put a new fuel filter and refitted the lines going from the hard line to the fuel filter.  I tried to start and it didn't turn over, but no more bubbles.  I bled some air out of the system and still no start. Battery is very low, so I didn't get a lot of chances.   I think I will try to push/pull start it today and check for air leaks.  I have a feeling I'm on the right path.

[drshoebocks]

PS When I got it running I was able to get an oil reading, which looked fine.

[drshoebocks]

There is a gash on the barb at the injection pump intake which is letting air in.  While my girlfriend tried to start it a giggled the line a bit and sure enough a bunch of air bubbles appeared.  I then made a close inspection of the barb and you can see a big gash on it and air bubbles.   Uggghhhh!!!!
Now I need to see if I can find a new barb/clean barb or find a way to fix the gash.  I believe it is made out of bronze.   Any suggestions on where to look are greatly appreciated.

[drshoebocks]

I'm having trouble sourcing the part.  Wondering if there is anything I put on the barb to cover up the slice.  I'm going to try and put a clamp around it and see if that helps, and I may try to sand the barb down a bit.  Any other suggestions?

[drshoebocks]

I sorted my fuel problem out and there are now absolutely no bubbles coming through.  
I still can't get the truck to fire up when it is cold, ie hasn't run over night.  Had a buddy come over and we pulled it with my truck and it started right up and ran great.  Drove it for a while and shut down.  30 minutes later it started right up with one or two chugs.  Drove it around again, and stopped at the local tavern for a beer.  Came back out and it started right up and I drove it home.  
Next morning-chugachugachuga no start.  
Now I'm thinking glow plugs....
Test for power to the bus, check the fusible link, checked the relay socket-and all check out.  I pulled the glow plugs and put each on a battery and they all lit up.  

What do I look for now?