Brakes won't hold pressure

That block is a pressure differential switch. It's not a proportioning valve. It shouldn't affect bleeding of the brakes. Is the dash warning light on? I can't say I have ever seen one suck in air. It could happen, but I would bet that you would be seeing it leak, also.

You did bench bleed the master cylinder, right?

That's good to hear, and to be completely honest I don't think I've ever seen the brake warning light come on in that car. Maybe it's burned out or bad wiring?

Yes I did bench bleed.