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

[timothy_nd28]

Turning on the ignition will not activate the fuel pump. Fuel pump activates when the key is in the crank position or when the airflow meter flap has triggered the fuel pump contact switch.

I think you have a vacuum leak, which caused the rough running condition. The vacuum leak may have caused a backfire, which warped the airflow meter's flap. Since the flap isn't moving, it won't close the fuel pump contact switch. Which is now causing a no start condition. This is my .02 cents.

Verify fuel pump operation first. Jumper 88d of the dual relay to the positive battery post, the pump should turn on. Then verify that you still have spark. Then check the air flow meter's flap if it moves freely.