No fuel being pumped

So I removed the Pump last night and didn't see any visual indications of it being all gunked up. Is there a way to test it now that I have it sittin on my bench?. Also, how do I get the fuel pump rod out. It didn't fall out when I removed the pump, how far up is it?

You should be able to test it by hand enough to see if it will pump. Just put one finger / thumb over the outlet and work the lever. It should forcibly suck your finger up against the inlet. You can also "rig" a tube to the inlet, into a DO THIS SAFELY can of water/ gas/ other thin liquid and work the pump by had. It should suck the liquid right up and spit it out forcibly.