Escort fuel pump

ok, 98 ZX2 died today and I'm pretty sure it's the fuel pump.

my questions are:

1) what is the best way to diagnose this problem so I can be sure it is actually the fuel pump that needs to be replaced.

2) after reading around a bit it seems the the retaining ring on the fuel pump is a pain. My shop manual says that a tool is available for this. Is it even worth buying or is there a simpler way?

3)What's the best way to relieve fuel pressure? The shop manual says to use the Schrader valve. Looking at the picture it looks like it's right by, or even under, the fuel filter. Is this correct?

4) What else do I need to know in order not to blow myself up?

Thanks.

I would unhook the electrical lead at the pump and check for voltage when you first turn the key on. If you have voltage then hook it back up and listen for the pump when you turn the key on.

hmmm...ok, I can hear the pump turn on when I switch the key from off to on.

ok, so basically the problem is that my car won't start at all. It turns over, but doesn't start.

Right before it died I could press down on accelerator and the car acted like it wasn't quite getting enough gas. I don't think anyone put anything in the gas tank. I hope. The only other thing I can think of as far as a quick fix is replacing the gas filter.

Any other suggestions?

Check your timing belt.

Snd you can get the locking ring atop the fuel tank off by tapping it sucessively on its little 'ears', and patiently going around in a circle to do it. It comes off counter clockwise I believe, and goes back on clockwise.

Check fuel pump for pressure using a fuel pressure gauge that you can get at auto parts store or heaborfreight.com.

Removing the ring that holds the fuel pump in take use a brass punch so you do not create any sparks when turning ring.

To relieve fuel pressure you could also remove fuel pump fuse and run engine until it dies than try couple more times to make sure no more gas is precent, or put rag over the schrader velve to absorb the fuel when relieving fuel pressure.

If you do not have access to a fuel pressure gage, simply spray a few shots of starting fluid into the throttle body and see if it fires. If it fires up fuel problem, if not check for spark.

I was told by autozone that there is a tool to remove the retainer ring but they didn't carry it. when i changed my pump the retainer ring was impossible to remove in a timely manner without damaging it, so i just bought a new one, $20 at autozone. remember to slightly lubricate the rubber seal that goes under the ring or the ring does not spin easily when tightening.

He found out it was the timing belt: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=937816