michigan 55a

It has a 353 detroit that I would like to get started. The emergency shutoff appeared to function and I had a big manual to cover the intake just in case. The prior owners could not remember the last time it ran and I think it could have been 15 to 20 years. After installing a new battery it started very easily but only ran 20 seconds and died like it ran out of fuel. I drained the old fuel from the tank and plan on changing the filters. It looks like fuel travels first to the primary filter, then to the pump then to the secondary filter then to the engine. I want to bleed air out at the secondary filter. That looks like an easy place to do it. Then I know the pump has suction and should not cavitate. If I pressurize the tank do I have to have the engine turning over to get fuel past the fuel pump? or can I expect to purge the air out of the fuel system to the secondary filter before I start cranking by only pressurizing the tank?

Thanks

michigan 55a