2000 Astro Won't Start

[DeLuna5]

New to forum but love it already. Unfortunately, my first post is a real problem. Have 2000 Astro (90,000 mi) that cranks but won't start.
May have been run dry, not sure, but son put about a gallon of gasoline in thinking it was out of gas and needle didn't moved. I put in two more gallons, but no luck. Have run out of gas three times before and single gallon resulted in quick start.
Fuel filter is about two months old, but didn't get around to changing PCV valve, because was told it is inside the housing and not very experienced with it. Has been making whistling sound (sometimes) that was told may be vacuum leak in fuel lines. About a week ago, started smelling fuel on occasions along with black exhaust. Today, it will crank, but not start. Do not hear fuel pump when key is turned just short of cranking. Listened by fuel door with cap off and crawled under by tank.
All work before fuel filter was warranty work. (Of course, now there is no warranty.) Money is tight so want to have idea of what I'm looking at.
Hoping something I can fix myself and not rack up mechanic fees.

[pcv]

Check fuses first. You have to check for two things, fuel and spark. Most times, one of them will be missing and will cause your no start situation. You need to identify the problem and work on it. Having said that, the fuel smell and black smoke tells me that you need to find that vacuum leak. If the map sensor does not get vacuum, you will get black smoke and will even smell of fuel. A scan test will probably give you a code, if present, and that will lead you to the right direction if it is a sensor problem.
First try and remove the dog-house. Then look at all the vacuum hoses, making sure they are not cracked, broken or disconnected.
Good Luck.

[DeLuna5]

Checked fuses and tried using the a/c relay in place of the fuel pump relay (advised this by parts store owner.) No luck....am about to remove doghouse and check lines and check for spark...if that's not it, best possibility is fuel pump (right?)
Know have to drop tank to replace and will probably get help. Just wondering if anyone has worked on these before and can give me some advise on anything unexpected to watch for.
Also (curious,) would my failure to replace the pcv valve when I replaced the fuel filter have been a cause of my problems, now? In other words, did a $2 part end up costing me $250 or more?

[pcv]

No, the pcv is unlikely to have caused you problem. However look for a damaged/missing vacuum first. Then check for spark and fuel. Which ever ingredient you are missing is the one you have to establish.
Running the tank dry puts a lot of stress on the pump and tend to overheat and break down. The pumps on those are pretty pricey, so before you go changing it, make sure that that is the problem. If it is the fuel system problem, then disconnect the fuel line and get someone to turn the ignition on, lots of fuel should come out of the line. Contain the fuel. If no fuel, then check for battery power at the fuel pump harness under the Vehicle. Remember, the when you check for power at the pump, it will last for only two seconds. Get someone to crank the vehicle while you check for power. And if you have power, replace the pump.
Good Luck.

[DeLuna5]

Thanks to everyone for the advise. Unfortunately, everything checked out o.k., so the fuel pump has been ordered and should be here tomorrow morning. My understanding now is that I am going to drop the tank, pull the old pump, install new one and reinstall tank.
This sounds too simple...anyone out there done this before on an Astro? any unexpected surprises I should look for?
Thanks once again.

[walkerpkw]

Please tell us if you solved your problem with the new pump, I'm 99% sure it's the fuel pump, that's my final answer.

[DeLuna5]

Thanks again to all...the van is running after wrestling with the fuel tank and getting the fuel pump installed. It's still idling rough and a bit high, but not missing or chugging - just a steady, high-rev idle.
The important thing is it started about in about 2-3 seconds after installling the fuel pump and has started quickly ever since.
Thanks again, guys!