fuel delivery issues -- '87 escort EXP

Hello!

I've got an '87 EXP with an odd problem. I acquired it in the fall with 1/4 tank of kinda old gas in it. I drove it a few times, just around the block and such, and then it got parked in my garage. It sat through the coldest parts of the winter, and one day when I went to start it, it wouldn't. It drove into my garage just fine, but now it doesn't seem to be getting fuel.

I pulled the lines off by the tank, and I got nothing out when I cranked it. I thought maybe the lines were frozen up. I put a heater in my garage for a few days, but still got nothing. At this point, I assumed I fried the pump from trying to start it when it was frozen up or something.

Just the othe day, however, I pulled the lines off in preparation for dropping the tank. On a whim, I tried cranking it again. This time I got fuel running out! But when I hook the lines up, I still get nothing at the engine. It'll run if I pour some gas in, so I know it's getting spark.

So at this point I'm a bit puzzled. I'm thinking the first thing to do is to check the flow rate 1) at the tank, and 2) at the engine and see if maybe a line is clogged? I did a timing belt/water pump a few weekends ago, so I want to get it on the road!

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears! I've not owned a ford before, so I'm kinda figuring things out as I go.

Thanks!!

did you ever get this problem solved? I think my problem is similar.

chevy_ss@lycos.com
label it "escort fuel issue"

Not yet! I replaced the fuel pump and strainer, and still got nothing. I checked the filter, and it was pretty clogged, but replacement didn't help! I blew through the lines, and they weren't clogged. It looks like it's an electrical issue, but when I jump power straight from the battery to the coupler on the interia switch (which is right before the pump), the pump doesn't run. So now I'm thinking I've got a ground issue? I'm about ready just to cut the harness apart and run a new ground and power lead.

Good luck on your own car!