83 300TDT non start

I was tyring to track a problem with slow engine shut-off and have solved the problem so completely that the engine is now totally stopped. While running my car with the shut off valve actuator disconnected from vacuum, a gauge on the line that supplies vacuum to that actuator and the ignition shut off to measure vacuum supplied to the actuator, the car slowly built to about -5lbs before the car rattled to a stop. The shut off valve actuator was disconnected from vacuum. The car will now crank but is not getting fuel (apparently). I have verified that there is no fuel at the return line when car cranks, no fuel moving in the prefilter. I have removed and checked the shut off actuator and shut off linkage. They are all moving freely and properly. I have replaced the pre-filter and tried to prime the line, but my primer does not seem to be working and I may still have some bubbles. I have ordered a new primer pump and may try to borrow the one off the spare car to see if I can purge the line and restore life to it that way. Any other obvious or subtle things which I am overlooking and I should check?