daughter's 1.8 won't start, fuel issue? Options

[porbmw]

Daughter was away 2 years, car was parked.
On return, started it up, just fine, but a bit of a stutter.
Filled it up completely with fuel, seemed to work fine for an hour or so.

Couple days later "dad...the car is running badly, it hesitates".
Started it up, a few hesitations/balks.
Figured perhaps the fuel filter..so bought a Lordco filter, swapped it out.

Turned on ignition. NO fuel seems to be getting through. This is a new one. Turned over repeatedly, no success.
Swapped back to old filter in case of crappy filter.
Same.

Took line off end of filter that feeds engine. Turn on ignition. No "squirt" of fuel, but clearly fuel HAS been getting through filter, as fuel on "that side" when remove.
Did same with new filter.
Turns over, nothing trying to "catch".

About to give up.
Car fires up nicely, so go for a one hour drive.

Next day. "dad...the car won't start"...
Same "no catch, no indication of fuel into engine"

Any ideas?

AND

If it turns out to be a fuel pump issue:
a) any recommended source for fuel pump...I suppose 3 port is unlikely, so 2 port?
b)IF a 2 port, do I have to relocate pump re configuration of ports?


Thanks very much.

Paul

[injunmort]

clean the sock in the fuel tank