Nissan Repair: 1986 300ZX Turbo Wont Start after running out of Gas the Day After I drove it home almost 300 miles, red hook, gas cap

Question
Ok, I bought the June 30th(July 4th weekend)on Long Island, I drove it all the way to Red Hook, NY(Upstate NY) no problems. I dash is out, but i can figure that out. Anyway, The next day I drive not even 2 miles and I crest a hill, and the cars stalls. I pull it over, open the gas cap, and I hear the pressure sound. So, I figure just out of gas, that's easily remedied, So I get 1 1/4 gallon can from a neighbor down the road. Put it in figuring for sure that is enough to get me to the gas station. I start the car, it starts briefly, and I am able to move it 20-30 feet down the road at it stalls again. So, I figure, get a bigger gas can, so I call my wife and she brings me a 5 gallon one. I fill that, and the car wont turn over still. Everyone is telling me it is the fuel pump. Please tell me that there might be another reason for this happening. My wife is saying, you were ripped off, and I know that there is no way to rig a fuel pump to give out.  

Answer
Erik,

Remember that the pump is in the tank and if it runs dry it can burn up.  If you have gas in the tank you need to check the fuel pressure.  If there is none and you have over five gallons in the tank I would probably be replacing the pump.  But, be sure to purchase a factory pump.  courtesynissan.com or rockauto.com are good and cheap on-line resources.  If you are in a pinch you might purchase one at the dealer.  No, you did not get screwed and running it out of gas it what did it.  I always keep a quarter of a tank to keep the pump cool.  Listen to the Checy Suburbans and how the pumps howl...  They run them low on gas and that is what takes the pump out.