hard starting.engine cranks and cranks until it gets fuel to start.ok once its running.has new fuel pump relay.

I think the fuel line has check valves - but don't know where they are.

There are two pumps. Main pump is outside tank, under left rear passenger seat.
Must be working OK becuase if dead, car won't run at all.

Pre-pump is in the tank and has a pickup hose/tube to bottom of tank. If hose or pump is bad it can act up, especially when fuel is low.

Easiest: clean up fuse contacts on fuse in white fuse holder behind battery, on left front inner fender wall. Replace or clean up holder if needed. Fuse rarely blows, but it and the fuse holder contacts get corroded. It supplies power to computer and pumps.

IF you work on the fuse holder, pull the battery ground cable first. If you don't you're pretty much guaranteed to ground the hot wire to fuse holder on the fender wall, makes a really big POP! Fuse holder opens up to access the internal contacts - release the little plastic clips on the narrow ends, then tip back the "head". Or buy a new one at Radio Shack or a waterproof one at a marine supply (overkill in my book, but lotsa guys do that).
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Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).

The 30-amp waterproof fuseholder from Radio Shack is a dandy, just lacks a mounting hole or ear. IPD has one, too. RS was under $5.00 a while back.

The check valve is just downstream of the main fuel pump, underneath back there.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

The waterproof fuse holder is not overkill, this is an important fuse to keep clean in the dirty corrosive environment. To me it is cheap insurance to eliminate a known problem area. Dan

If it is consistent behavior in the first-of-the-day start, it could be a failing fuel check valve.

fuel pressure leaks back into the tank overnight, and must be pumped up before that first start.

Depending on how bad the failure, starts later in the day are usually OK.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)