5ktq accel problems - and now some starting problems

[ricematthews]

Just a thought, but as stupid as it sounds, you may just have a corroded,
dirty or partially melted connection at the fuse.  Repeatedly removing and
re-inserting the fuse will just work to clean the connection until a good
contact is finally made.  It may work for a few weeks until the corrosion
worsens again.

If you suspect this as a possible problem, thoroughly clean the connection
and use dialectic grease to keep the connection clean and corrosion free.

If it is partially melted, you may want to determine why (how much current
is running, etc.) before putting things back together.


>I wrote a couple of days ago about my '88 5000
>stumbling upon accelration. Got many good ideas, none
>of which i've tried because its TOO COLD. in the
>meantime, my starting problem has returned.
>
>I goes like this: If it doesn't start immediately, its
>not gonna start. Unless i do the following: turn
>ignition on, insert fuse in fuel pump relay, remove
>fuse, reinsert, remove fuse and insert for a third
>time. By now the fuel pump should be running (but not
>always - this is probably a clue). If fuel pump is
>running, it will now start - at least 99% of the time.
>It will go for weeks starting fine, and then revert to
>the above described condition for a few days.
>
>Once it starts ,it may or may not run well (reference
>earlier problem with acceleration). All in all, kind
>of annoying, but i love this car, so i put up with it.
>
>could a bad fuel pumprelay be at the root of both of
>these problems? Once again, thanks in advance for your input
>