Fuel pump stops for a few seconds, randomly. Sometimes it goes for hours without a hiccup, and sometime only a few seconds.

Filter?
Relay?
Pump?
Other?

I started by buying a new fuel filter, but have not yet gotten the fuel line off. Bought new "flare" wrenches for the next attempt.

Bought new relays and about to explore the fuse panel for first time.

Avoiding replacement of the external pump for the time being, but it definitely stops humming when the motor hiccups. From what I've read, there is also an internal pump in the tank. If the external is failing, does that mean the internal has already failed if the motor dies?

Am I investigating this out of sequence, or if there is a common ailment I should chase first?

 

prolly-
relay
pump
other
filter

 

Fuel pump relay is clicking. I will replace it and go from there.

 

in the sake of troubleshooting, i would jump it and keep it jumped while diagnosing so it is FOR SURE not the relay, as that is the #1 culprit.

 

New relay clicked too, which means there was a short? I then cleaned the fuses above the fuel pump relay and the problem seems to be solved. Are the fuses above that relay related to it in any way?