Hi everett,
i've recently had to prime my IP after doing some work on the plungers. It take a surprisingly long time to prime the pump. At some stage my 652 battery even went flat. If you are certain that there is fuel flow from the fuel pump (Under the gas tank) through the gas filter and into the IP inlet pipe, then what I can suggest is that you use 24v instead of 12, so that it cranks the engine faster, and this will also not drain your battery either. here's how:
Make sure you have a strong battery for tghe car. You'll also need a second, idling car available. Connect a set of jumper cables from the idling car to the battery on your SL. Start the cranking. You'll hear the fuel pump under the tanks make a higher pithed 'buzz' than it normally does; and the starter motor will crank must faster too. Keep at it till you see fuel emergiing from fittings.
If there's anyone out there who disputes this method for safety reasons, please advise; but it's worked quite nicely for me.
Let us know how you fare.
Fano