Mitsubishi Repair: starting problems, vacuum leak, black boxes

Question
QUESTION: 1993 Mitsubishi Eclispse been sitting in back yard for a year.  Won't start without starter fluid.  Then won't stay running.  Put gas in and gas additive.  Acts like it isn't getting fuel??

ANSWER: Jackie: I would say the fuel pump is shot, that is why the car will not stay running. You can have the pump tested but if the car will not stay running that might be a bit hard. The fuel pump is in the tank, so you will have to get a shop to do that work for you, as the tank must be dropped and the pump replaced. You should have the car coded too, as using starter fluid on these car is very hard on the sensors that control that start. You most likely have burnt that out too. Another thing would be to check would be a vacuum leak.Hope this helps. God bless: Linda

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QUESTION: Changed the fuel filter, fuel is coming through the lines but still won't start.  Manual says there is a fuse to the fuel pump but doesn't say where that is.  How do we check for a vacuum leak?

Answer
Jackie: Even if you are getting fuel out of the lines, there still might not be enough pressure as to start the engine. You need to get the fuel pump tested as to how much pressure is being put out by it. There is a relay for the fuel pump and much larger fuses in three black boxes in with the engine, when you open the hood looking a the engine there should be a black box on the driver-side close to the firewall and on its cover tells what relays and fuses are in it. Then over by the battery there should be two more of those black boxes, again should tell what is in each box. Oh if you do change something from one  of those boxes, remember to unhook the neg. cable off the battery and then put it back on once the new relay or fuse is put back in. Other wise you will just blow the new one right off the bat. Either take the car to a shop and let them find the leaks. Or get one of those same things that the doctor uses to listen to your heart beat with; with that you can listen for vacuum leaks. Sorry but I can not think what that is called tonight, been a long day. God bless: Linda