200tdi lift pump not working after head change

Hi all...

just changed the head on 200tdi defender, was about to fire up after bleeding the system and the lift pump wont bring the fuel to the filter head, either manually via lever or when turning over on starter, i took the rigid pipe out of the fuel tank and it seems to have suction although quite weak when i crank it over. the engine started and ran ok before i changed the head, although i suppose a weak pump (if there is such a thing?) might still start and run ok if the system is primed? would the injection pump do the job instead in that scenario?

the other thing i'm wondering is can my having changed the head have any bearing on this? logically i'm guessing no because i havent disturbed the timing or the cam in any way that i can think of... i did rotate the bottom end by hand in order to aid cleaning of the block and pistons/bores while the head was off but thats all.

going to have a closer look at the lift pump tomorrow to see if tis knackered !

pumps are often poor but if system is sound and primed injector pump ill pull enough, often you dont notice lift pumps poor till you go to bleed

Thanks... thought as much, i have a 90 TD "project" sitting here rapidly losing parts - i'll have to see if the lift pump on that works and/or fits!