Volvo: 1986 Volvo 245 fuel, eletrical, fuel pressure gauge, fuel pump relay

Question
How do I test the internal and external fuel pumps to ensure that they are working properly?  In addition, my car on occasions will shut down and will not restart for a couple of hours. Please help...

Answer
Charles,
Test the in tank pump by pulling off the hose at the rear main pump and crank the engine. Fuel should come out at about 3 or 4 pounds of pressure. The only real valid test for the main pump would be testing the pressure. Use a fuel pressure gauge and the pressure should be about 42 psi.
You could test the pressure when the car stops. The fuel pump relay sometimes gets hot and the solder joints open and cause the pump to stop. Test for power to the pump when the car stalls. Could also drive with the fuel gauge on and see if you loose fuel pressure when the car stalls.