Lift pump question

[JMarinaccio]

Just bought another '97 12v. It was a little hard to start and get to idle but with a little throttle it would pop right off, then keep your foot on the throttle for 5 sec and it would find it's stride. Well I'll be darned if that thing didn't die in my drive when I got it home.
Now... the rubber boot on the L.P. primer button is cracked and broken and when I push it there is no resistance offered. Usually when I change the filter on my other one I'll give it quick repetitive strokes with a broom stick into an already pre-filled filter and in short order the by pass valve is squealing. With the new truck- nothing.
I'm putting this out to you guys in hopes of advice=shortcut. The truck sat for a year, has 208k, 5spd, was a little putzy off the line but once the boost came up the power was acceptable. Injection pump hasn't been messed with unless they used another break-off screw and painted it (doubtful). I am the third owner. #2 bought it, decided he didn't need it after all, parked it, sells it 14mo. later to me.
I have Joe's write up and will go that route if no one chimes in.
My first step was a front crank seal and kdp, now I have to get it to start. Sheez!