so.... it still doesn't start...

-pumps are running and there's spark
-no fuel coming out of injectors, take the injectors off and there's a little fuel at the lines but probably NOT enough
-I've tested the delivery at the return line and its very weak (nowhere near a liter in 30 secs.), but am curious how this should compare to delivery before it goes through the fuel distributor
-all in all, it just seems like theres not enough gas going through (i know it needs like 74 psi) but, not convinced pump is dead yet
-cleaned the plunger in fuel distributor and all the internals look good and clean
-got new injectors

the only thing I can think of now is that one of the pumps is working, but not well enough, or something is fouled in the distributor line adjustment

-i know to test pressures all around, but i wanted to start with the pumps

does the pump get weaker and weaker? or will it just die?

any help is much appreciated!

If there is little " through-put" from the return line, then the pump is weak. Your symptoms point to that. There is a pressure regulator in the fuel distributor ( push-valve) and also non return check valves in orifices that feed the four injector hoses. They don't "break" until about 40 psi as I recall.
So a weak pump just doesn't cut it. You need a new main pump.
If you really need to convince yourself then jumper the main pump and run it, lift the injectors out of the head, and lift the sensor plate. More than likely the four injectors will flow, but not all at once. One will start, then another, and the pattern will be less than conical and the injectors won't sing as they are supposed to make a high pitched whine when working right.

got it.

I was just trying to figure out the delivery pressure before I started thinking the distributor was messed up.
It definitely has super low pressure, when I test injectors like you said - there's just a little wetness, no spray.... then when I take the injector off - there's like a little pee stream

thanks again,

now - trying to figure out where to get the new pump

What are the circumstances of the no-start? Sitting long, or running regularly until now? Any symptoms before the failure?

Start with delivery pre-filter. That should flow PLENTY, maybe a gallon in 30 seconds, like a faucet full on. If it trickles there, its either your pump, or a really clogged line (rust?). If it flows full, check the filter for clogs.

yeah, it sat for a while (about a month)
I did the test pre-filter and yes, it ain't much of a faucet....it would take minutes to get a gallon

Before the failure: felt a little sad, would start - but just no power, then less power, then no drive, then barely start, now no start....

I live in Wyoming, where rust is almost impossible. Tank is clean looking and I put some Techron in there and it has about 3/4 tank of gas

soooo.....guess i'll check that pump resistance?

thanks