so, I tried again pumping & pumping the middle lever, now my finger biceps are so buff! so are you saying if I submerge the out flow nozzle under water that will cause a vacuum, right? makes sense.
I also looked at the link which gave very specific instructions but...
failed to direct me to the start key/knob.
but now let me ask about the "start" knob that happens to be connected to the rubber suction seal on the intake side. when I looked under the unit's bulk head - I pushed up the suction cup which pushes up the start knob. so it dawns on me that this is the part looks like the vacuum/suction action piece.
I surmise that maybe this should be the pump primer? & I've been exercising my fingers for naught?! & maybe the lever I've been thinking was the primer is really the flow adjuster??!!
will try again in an hr. I wish I may I wish I might....
p.s. thks for all your feedback!