I only mentioned it because obviously you want to make sure the VP44 is actually getting power. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, but I know you did a lot of wire harness testing earlier and I just wanted to make sure you didn't pull out the fuel injection pump relay or some fuses at some point and maybe not get them all back in.
The owners manual says the limit is 15 seconds of cranking followed by at least 2 minutes to cool, BUT the bleeding procedure in the service manual says 30 seconds of cranking followed by 2 minutes of cooling.
It depends on several factors, but yes it MAY start with loose injector lines if nothing else is wrong (e. g. : the transfer tubes are tight against the injectors, no air is trapped in remaining lines, and you don't have the fittings too loose).
Here is the bleeding procedure from the service manual. Take note that you should first bleed all air from the low-pressure side of the fuel system up VP44 inlet.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - AIR BLEED
A certain amount of air becomes trapped in the
fuel system when fuel system components on the
supply and/or high-pressure side are serviced or
replaced. Primary air bleeding is accomplished using
the electric fuel transfer (lift) pump. If the vehicle
has been allowed to run completely out of fuel, the
fuel injectors must also be bled as the fuel injection
pump is not self-bleeding (priming).
Servicing or replacing components on the fuel
return side will not require air bleeding.
WARNING: DO NOT BLEED AIR FROM THE FUEL
SYSTEM OF A HOT ENGINE.
(1) Loosen, but do not remove, banjo bolt (test port
fitting) holding low-pressure fuel supply line to side
of fuel injection pump. Place a shop towel
around banjo fitting to catch excess fuel.
The fuel transfer (lift) pump is self-priming: When
the key is first turned on (without cranking engine),
the pump operates for approximately 2 seconds and
then shuts off. The pump will also operate for up to
25 seconds after the starter is quickly engaged, and
then disengaged without allowing the engine to start.
The pump shuts off immediately if the key is on and
the engine stops running.
(2) Turn key to CRANK position and quickly
release key to ON position before engine starts. This
will operate fuel transfer pump for approximately 25
seconds.
(3) If fuel is not present at fuel supply line after
25 seconds, turn key OFF. Repeat previous step until
fuel is exiting at fuel supply line.
(4) Tighten banjo bolt at fuel supply line to 24 N·m
(18 ft. lbs. ) torque. Primary air bleeding is now completed.
(5) Attempt to start engine. If engine will not
start, proceed to following steps. If engine does
start, it may run erratically and be very noisy
for a few minutes. This is a normal condition.
(6) Continue to next step if:
- The vehicle fuel tank has been allowed to run empty
- The fuel injection pump has been replaced
- High-pressure fuel lines have been replaced
- Vehicle has not been operated after an extended period
CAUTION: Do not engage the starter motor for more
than 30 seconds at a time. Allow two minutes
between cranking intervals.
(7) Perform previous air bleeding procedure steps
using fuel transfer pump. Be sure fuel is present at
fuel supply line before proceeding.
(8) Crank the engine for 30 seconds at a time to
allow air trapped in the injection pump to vent out
the drain manifold.
WARNING: THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP SUPPLIES
EXTREMELY HIGH FUEL PRESSURE TO EACH INDIVIDUAL
INJECTOR THROUGH THE HIGH-PRESSURE
LINES. FUEL UNDER THIS AMOUNT OF
PRESSURE CAN PENETRATE THE SKIN AND
CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
AND ADEQUATE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
AND AVOID CONTACT WITH FUEL SPRAY WHEN
BLEEDING HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINES.
WARNING: ENGINE MAY START WHILE CRANKING
STARTER MOTOR.
Engine may start, may run erratically and be
very noisy for a few minutes. This is a normal
condition.
(9) Thoroughly clean area around injector fittings
where they join injector connector tubes.
(10) Bleed air by loosening high-pressure fuel line
fittings at cylinders number 3, 4 and 5.
(11) Continue bleeding injectors until engine runs
smoothly. It may take a few minutes for engine to
run smooth.
(12) Tighten fuel line(s) at injector(s) to 38 N·m
(28 ft. lbs. ) torque.
It won't be a gusher, but it should squirt.
You are getting good fuel pressure from the lift pump when you bump the starter... right? Didn't you borrow or buy a fuel pressure test gauge at some point?
John L.