1987 cabriolet no start

[deeph8]

I am looking at picking up a decent 1987 cabriolet with 90,000 miles that is being offered for sale at a low price ($1,000) because it won't run. The motor turns over and will run for a short time if starting aerosol is sprayed in the intake. Makes me believe it is a fuel starvation issue. What is the likely cause? I am hoping it is a simple problem like a bad relay. Any thoughts? I plan to go out there again this afternoon.

[boschmann]

When you turn the key to on position listen for the fuel pump. If not, it's most likely the relay or pump itself.