My '88, 2.9, starts right up, but dies after a few seconds. Then I have to turn the key on (till the fuel pump shuts off) and off about 6 or 8 times to build up fuel for it to start again. Then will start and run for a few seconds, then die again. I replaced the fuel pump in the tank , but not the one on the frame. Seems to run smooth at idle, and when I give it gas, but then shuts down. Sometimes, it will idle quite a while, but die when I give it gas. Most of the time, it dies even at idle after a few seconds. Is there a simple way to check the fuel pumps? I switched regulators with another one and it made no difference.

 

Check for a vacuum leak.