Yes, but that's how pumps work. The action of the pump reduces the pressure of the air in the pipework to the tank and in the same way as when you suck on a straw (or on the end of the pipe
), atmospheric pressure forces fuel up from the tank and along to the pump-chamber.
The problem that some people have experienced is that the above process doesn't naturally happen in practise. It seems that the innards of the pump need to get wet with fuel before it starts to work properly.
There are some tiny springs inside the pump which act on valves to make the pump work. I can only suggest that these springs or the valve discs possibly get weakened or worn and aren't able to function properly when dry.
I have never heard of this issue on any other type of car with a mechanical fuel-pump and many older cars actually have a hand-lever on the pump to allow you to get the fuel going without using the starter....many of the early cars only had a handle anyway.:bang:
The suggestions previously made by others
will work but are a PITA.
Once the tank is re-fitted I would get someone to turn over the engine with the ignition off or disconnected for a few short bursts whilst you check for fuel at the disconnected pipe at the carb inlet; the fuel should flood out if it gets there. If it doesn't then you have at least been told by others how to force it through.
