Just so we are sure .
When you take the line to the carb off the carb & crank the engine, nothing comes out of the pipe, is that correct ?
Secondly the fuel pump has a check valve in it so it is directionally sensitive .
Input & output are on the sides , impulse line is on the top.
The in tube is the one closest to the impulse line and the out tube is the one furthest away.
Some times that means crossing the fuel lines over.
Put your thumb over the impulse line and crank the engine.
it should be able to feel a strong push against your thumb.
Fuel filters can create an air lock because the outlet tube is 1/2 way down the filter, not right at the end.