master cylinder

I am having brake problems. I just changed a strut on the rear of my 91 corolla and i had to take the metal brake line from the back of the plate. I put it back on right but now I don't have brakes. I tried to bleed them but I can't build enough pressure. I pumped itup and it built pressure for a second and went back down. After that I couldn't get to that point without starting the car and shutting it off. Can the master cylinder pump brake fluid still if its no longer working properly? Answers are greatly appreciated.