I finally resolved the intermittent starting problem on my 1989 244 DL w/ 5spd manual.

Symptoms: it seemed that anytime there was moisture in the air, the car could be guaranteed not to start in the morning. Since it was needed anyway, I replaced the distributor cap & rotor, ignition wires, spark plugs and the ignition coil. I thought everything was good, but lo and behold it returned again. So, I thought the in-tank fuel-pump might be going bad (as the next time it wouldn't start, I got into the trunk, removed the access cover and banged on the top of the in-tank pump assembly...the car then started). So, I replaced my in-tank pump - BUT, the intermittent start still came back.

The REAL problem: where the power wire for the in-tank pump passes through the top of the in-tank pump/sender assembly, the solder connection of the wire to the tab that passes through the cover was intermittent.

Solution: Re-solder the fuel pump power wire connection to the cover pass-through tab. I actually went further and hard soldered the wires through the cover to the harness to the vehicle, and then re-sealed the pass-through point with JB Weld epoxy.

End result - so far, so good. The car has started every time, even after a rain last night and muggy morning today.

Much as I hate to do it, this car may be up for sale soon as I need to thin my fleet down (we have 5 vehicles in the driveway and 2 drivers in the house), but I had definetly wanted this issue resolved before I decide to sell it.