[rsiegel]

I've been chasing an odd intermittent no-start problem for months. Yesterday I had the good fortune to have the car die completely (finally!) and do the no-start thing right in my garage (yes!). It had spark and would turn over and then die if I squirted in starting fluid, so it nailed it to a fuel delivery problem. I hooked up a fuel pressure gauge at the fuel distributor, and propped open the flap to get the fuel pump to run, and there was zero pressure. Just to be sure, I pulled the fuel pump relay and jumpered pins 30 and 87a and loosened the fuel pump line at the top of the filter. Nothing -- zero pressure.

I jacked up the car and exposed the fuel pump, and again jumpered across the relay. The pump clearly was turning. In fact, I'd forgotten to tighten the gas line at the fuel filter, and the engine compartment was now soaked with gas. I tightened it and let the gas dry, and then the car started right up.

What do we think? Do fuel pumps die intermittently like this, or if I replace it, am I still likely to have the problem because it's wiring and not the pump?

I know -- the next time it happens, check the voltage at the pump. But right now it's running (drat!).

--Rob