I had exactly the same issue when trying to start my 1969 4/4 after it’s winter lay up. My car was fitted with a new mechanical pump last year but does not seem to self prime. I removed the top of the carb to find the float bowl was as dry as a bone. I filled it with fuel, re assembled the carb and the engine started straight away and has run fine ever since. I am seriously considering fitting an electric fuel pump in the near future.
