starting difficulties on vandalized van

hello, i bought a 1997 safari engine w (vortec v6) in non running condition. according to the previous owner, the van had been vandalized by having trash bags shoved down the filler neck. with this in mind, i dropped the tank, and cleaned out the small bits of plastic. i also replaced the fuel pump strainers, and the in line fuel filter. then, i crossed my fingers and turned the key, primed the pump a few times, and then cranked the engine. at first nothing, but on the second try, it began to start, then nothing. the engine fires up and dies with a bit of starting fluid. i am unsure of the fuel pressure, but the pump is indeed pumping fuel. i have read in other posts that there are testers, but i have been unable to find one. is there a way to see if the engine is getting gas? any body have a clue as to what might be occuring? thanks.

The fact that the engine starts and runs with starting fluid tells you two things: #1 the ignition system is working, and #2 there is a problem in the fuel delivery system. The first thing to check is fuel pressure. With the key in the RUN position, (do not start the engine), while the pump is running, fuel pressure must be a minimum of 60psi. After approximately 3 seconds, the fuel pump will shut off. Fuel pressure must remain above 55psi for several minutes. Post your results here.

i finally got the fuel pressure tester (basic set $57.00). after several cycles of the pump, i get 24 psi of pressure. this pressure holds for about 15 min. perhaps longer, but i haven't monitored it for a longer duration.

Your injectors or lines are most likely clogged, there are products that you can add to your tank to dissolve the obstruction such as Seafoam (Excellent stuff) and will soon get the engine running nicely again. Failing that you would probaby have to buy some new (or second hand!) parts.
But go the Seafoam, it's great stuff.

The pressure is holding which means there are no leaks. The problem is in the pump, it needs to build 60psi MINIMUM.

The pressure is holding which means there are no leaks. The problem is in the pump, it needs to build 60psi MINIMUM.

indeed the pump was the problem. i purchased an oe pump from an ebay retailer called globo automotive for 120 dollars. installed it makes a little over 60 psi untill the regulator relieves pressure when priming the pump. running, it maintains 55 psi until the accelerator is pressed, and then pressure rises slightly until the desired rpm is reached. the engine runs well.
interestingly enough, when i pressed the bake pedal with the engine running, a brake line burst. this was fixed easily enough with a new steel line and some speacialty line tools purchased at the auto parts store. i would say the entire operation took about an hour. the van runs well, and i would like to thank old master for the helpfull advice.