I have a 1994 5.0L V8, no cruise control that started leaking brake fluid, so I called around getting prices for a MBC replacement. When I found out I could save 50% by DIY, I jumped at the oppourtunity. I bought a Haynes guide, and all the right parts, and me and my Dad have been working on it.

Now, a problem. We took out the old one, put the old resivoir onto the new MBC, now we have to stroke the cylinder to get fluid into the system. But it's not budging! Haynes and the guide that came with the MBC say the same thing; stroke it slowly with a phillips screw driver, taking 10 second breaks, and watch for it to fill with fluid. Once fluid come in, cap the ports with your finger to avoid leaking.

Well, it's dry as a whistle in there... nothing is coming in. The resivior is on there good 'n' tight, and everything else has gone pretty approximate. Is there something I'm not being clued in on?

It is in a vice by the ear, not the body, and I am applying force against the cylinder with the philips screwdriver.

Anyone else done this? Have you come to this problem? Any advice?

Some of these are hard to get going. Take a small piece of hose and see if you can blow enough to get a few bubbles then go ahead and pump. It usually takes more than slow pumps. Normally they come with small hoses so the fluid goes back into the reservoir.
I have a small pump oil can that I use only for breaks. I put a small hose on it and pump slowly until fluid comes into the reservoir.
If you want to do this buy a new can clean with break clean and use new fluid.