starting up my 318 after nine+ years....

If it's been sitting that long I would certainly not try and start the engine with any gas that is in the carb, fuel line or tank. You might want to remove the carb and clean it because it should have lots of old dried up fuel/varnish in the bottom of the bowls. At a minimum I would connect a small gas tank to the carb and hold it high for the gas to run down hill. once the pump "picks up" the fuel you can lower the gas can.
If you get the engine started it would be best to clean the fuel line and the tank before you hook them up to the carb or you contaminate everything all over again!!
Treblig