I thought I was a wizzard when it came to VW Diesel engines. I've probably owned 50 over the years. I've replaced numerous pumps in my Vanagons, my Dashers, my Bunnys, even my Jettas...
This was a first time install of a NEW pump. It did not prime at first, so I used an old standby hack method of putting an electric low pressure pump between the filter and the pump connecting it to the on/off switch.
I turned the key on and let it run til the nipples on the injectors were bubling.
BTW, it never did fire the motor, yet when I installed a core pump I could get
the engine to at least try and start.
The company is sending me another pump, this time.......I will crack the
injection lines, crank the throttle open FULL, hook up a starter button, put the 200 amp battery booster on full, and let it crank.....
I've got all the TDC indicators lined up, flywheel, cam has the block, and the injection pump I match the notches...both on the pully and on the bracket...
I will fill the pump with fuel manually this time, leaving the injection lines open so when they begin to leak fuel I know at least it is getting fuel.
YOU KNOW this is not rocket science...(dahhh that is why I own them)
Compression,.....(LOADS), air, and fuel....timing correct it should fire