Thanks for the replies. It is a mechanical fuel pump - unfortunately (I think).

I can't get the engine started (unless I pour a little gas down the throat of the carburetor).

I'm thinking there may be 2 problems, both the fuel pump and the carburetor, but I'm still not certain. For the fuel pump, I tried to prime it from the carburetor side, but it continues to flow back towards the tank - like the check valve isn't holding (at least I think that's how they work). I've tried to turn the engine over with the fuel line discharging into a container as Jim suggested, but no luck (I'm not certain if fuel reached the fuel pump from the tank since I drained it).

As for the carburetor - I was able to pour fuel into the float chamber - and can even see it in the glass, but I still can't get it to start on it's own. (After sitting for several years, I think the jets may have clogged).

If there is any magical advice - I'd greatly appreciate it.

Otherwise, I'll plan to replace the fuel pump and try to rebuild the carburetor from my '86 Trooper to put on the '87 (they seem to match).

Thanks for your help.