Once again, thank you for your mystical wisdom. I'll swing by Ohio one day and buy you a beer.

 

Just make sure to thoroughly clean the inside of the tank, install fpm with a new lock ring, reconnect make sure to secure check fuel/evap lines, and don't forget the secret recipe on the connectors/contacts.

 

Sounds like a plan. I cannot wait to see if this resolves the starting issue! I feel so excited (which usually ends in disappointment)!

 

did it unlock in the direction stated on the tank?

 

 

It did indeed. The way the tabs look with the ring is a bit odd!

 

Before (old fuel pump)

After (new fuel pump)

 

I got it all put back together and the sporadic crank no-start persists. The symptoms did not change at all.

What's the next direction? My thoughts include possibly wiring issue or a failing crank position sensor or PCM. My fuel trims still read lean, too (ranging from -3% to 20% across the map).

 

well it was not in vain. your old fuel pump had pretty heavy rust scales. just takes one of those scales to pop off in an in opportune time.

 

I appreciate your moral support It was quite rusty, indeed.