Fuel Pump Behavior

I have a 93 Metro that is not getting fuel. I can spray starter fluid in the Carb. and it will start but when you stop the starter fluid it goes dead. When you turn the ignition on I don't hear the fuel pump whirring. So I checked the voltage going to the fuel pump and it only gets a +12volt reading for a second or 2 then it drops back down. Is this correct behavior? I have swapped the 2 fuel relays around just to make sure the fuel pump relay was not the problem. What else do I need to check before I drop the fuel tank out and replace the pump? Which has been replaced around '99. Anyone with some ideas/experience?

until the car starts the fuel pump will only come on for a second or two. its to prevent fuel going in case of a wreck and a cut fuel line. you need to take gas cap off and have someone listen at filler when you turn key on for pump noise. if they hear nothing its probably a bad pump

Thanks, I ended up dropping the fuel tank and applying voltage to the fuel pump and it would not come on and pump. Looks like it's off to the parts store for me.