Nissan Repair: 91 Olds Cutlass stall/no start electrical issues, fuel pressure gauge, cutlass ciera

Question
I have a '91 Cutlass Ciera 2.5L (think I'm the only one with the 4cyl), that stalls & won't restart for at least several minutes.  When on highway at wide open throttle/heavy load I know it won't stall, but the second I ease off the gas it may decide to stall.  Also, this car will stall regardless of whether or not engine is hot or cold.  Also, I can tell even without cranking the engine whether or not it will restart.  I should get my "Service Engine Soon" light when I turn the key to the 'accessory' position...it is at this point that I should hear my fuel pump prime up & hum.  When I turn the key & get no light, I also get no fuel pump hum.  These are obviously related.  I have to assume this is an electrical/sensor/relay type of issue, but I've swapped relays around with no joy. Also tried swapping ECU.  What gives?  I need better schech's too; Haynes manual sucks!

Answer
Brian,

Check the fuel pressure when the car does the stall thing and will not start.  So, get a fuel pressure gauge and screw it on the fuel rail and drape it through the hood and cowl so you can lay it against the windshield.  Now, tape it down and drive the car until it stalls.  If the fuel pressure does not drop off then you know it is not the fuel pump.  If it does you have found the problem.  Other problems with this car are the ECM in the distributor getting too hot and causing the car to die.  Make sure there is dielectric grease under the module or the heat will nto transfer.  These are the two most common causes of the problem you describe on this particular car.