RobJ said:The area you are describing is on the pressure side, not possible to suck air there. I agree with the others, non responsive throttle point to fuel, air, etc.
Robj is 100% correct. Lines after the pump are pressurized and it's IMPOSSIBLE to get air leaking into them. You may have a loose line, cracked line, loose or bad fitting between the tank and the pump. Check those.
The type of fittings are positive seal onto a machined surface. Use of Teflon tape or Teflon goo will do more harm than good. Tighten any loose fittings and replace any leaking lines between the tank and the pump.
Read OldMech's advice closely. Now read it again. Maybe write it down. Do those things. He has given you some good advice.
I tell ya, if you were close we'd get that rascal running. Don't despair you are almost there!
jb