The cheap way to go is to buy the relay, as the two frequently
to together and if that's not it you know you are in for the
pump. I am curious - are you around 160,000 miles?

I hear your electricity and gas comment, however when
you take the pump apart you will be quite interested to
know that the pump electrical lead connections are openly
and submersed in gasoline - I guess it's okay as long as they
don't touch each other.

I had a pump once that was failing you could whack the
gas tank and it would work for a little while longer, but eventually
it's gonna die. You can also tell by the sound it makes.
A dying pump will make a weak rrrr type sound. Whereas
the new pump will go WHirrr! - a much brighter and "faster"
sound. Of course, battery voltage could affect the sound/
pump speed as well.
--
1990 240DL - 209K, 1989 Ranger 241K, Gone but not forgotten 1994 855