Not sure if I should put this in a previous, recent post, but here goes. While changing the fuel pump relay in this 89 IROC 350, we noticed that all the wire leads going into the connector were somewhat stripped, bare, and touching each other. The clip on leads (Teeth) were moving up and down, not solidly molded into the clip, and they had a bunch of gunk on them. I used electrically tape on each of the bare wires and tried to use another bundle of tape to wedge them so as not to move. Changed the fuel pump relay, but will only start for about 2 seconds and die. I guess the point of my question is, if these leads were crossed over causing it to short out, would it not have blown the fuel pump fuse? Also is there any fusible link connected to the fuel pump relay harness somewhere that may have blown?

On to the fuel filter. Never changed one b4, but I found it! Question, the cannister has a large nut at each end, threads on the fuel-line, and a smaller nut after that. Am I suppose to turn the cannister as a unit, or turn one of the fuel line nuts, one at a time. I spray WD-40 stuff on them but ran out of time, and feared puting too much torque in the wrong place. I can see that it would be easy to damage the fuel line if one is not careful, and doesn't know what they are doing, like ME! Also, once I get the old fuel filter out, would it be a valid test to turn the ignition on and see if the fuel pump starts squirting fuel before I replace it? Danger!

Still trying to avoid that fuel tank pump challenge. Sorry for the long wind, but your knowledge B appreciated!

 

the nuts spin off one at a time

 

Are you for sure it is the fuel pump.Because you say it only runs a couple of seconds it could be something else.You can turn your egnition switch on and go under the hood and on your fuel rail near the pressure regulator is a check valve looks like a valve stem push the center down with something and see if fuel comes out bu be careful if workin properly lot of pressure.