Starting problems

[Jack Moore <jwmoore@mail.bcpl.net>]

With the advent of cooler weather this week, my 5KS has developed
a problem starting. In the morning, it will take a half dozen attempts
to get the vehicle started. On the first attempt it will die
immediately. On each subsequent attempt it will last a moment longer
. On the final unsuccessful attempt it will start idleing at about 1000
RPM, and gradually the RPM will decrease until it dies some 5 to 10
seconds later. The next attempt it will settle at 750-800 RPM and stay.
It is necessary to let it idle there for a minute or so, before leaving,
as otherwise it seems starved for fuel. The car will now run perfectly
until shutoff and allowed to sit for an hour or more, when the problem
will reappear. The problem does not reappear if it is started shortly
after being shutoff.

I strongly suspect the fuel pump check valve if failing. Is there an
easy way to confirm this? The fuel pump was replaced by the previous
owner in '92 with 60K on the clock. The car now has 122K. Assuming it
is the check valve, should I replace the fuel pump while I am in there.

Is this a job, I can do easily myself, or is it back to the mechanic.
Dealer charged 1.6 hours for fuel pump replacement in '92.

Thanks to all,
Jack Moore
87 5KS
mailto:jwmoore@mail.bcpl.net