Bought all the necessary parts, put the back up on ramps, and went for it.

Turns out that the leak in return line was 3/4 up the line to the pump. Looked like it was gnawed through part way.

I let the car run for about 7 min and could not help but notice it does not seem to have the uneven exhaust note.

We'll see.

 

Sooooo, what did you do to fix the gnawed through hole in the line?

 

Gorilla tape?

 

Per Andy's advice that running a fuel pump dry usually kills it, I put the back up on ramps, dropped the tank with the help of my brother in law and replaced the fuel pump, lock ring, and straps. the hose clamps were remarkably useable, as were the strap bolts.
These were both good things since I managed to leave both replacement parts here in PA before heading down to SE Ohio to work on the car. We tested the sender (old) and the gauge worked so there was no critter damage to the wires.

Kinda pisses me off that the preformed fuel lines had the 90 bends in the wrong place. Had to zip tie them straight *slightly" to get the bends out to the side of the tank. When I went to reconnect the lines to the car, 1 was the perfect length, 2 were too long.. So I had to get creative w more zip ties to hold them higher towards the bottom of the frame so they are not in harm's way. Good enough for now

Took it for a drive this afternoon in the winding back roads of the boonies and brought back memories of why I love S cars so much. Completely underpowered but with good tires and struts, no real body roll. Not bad for a 12K 25yr old vehicle. and it still shines.
Only took 90 minutes and 4 rounds with a soapy brush and pressure washer (yes it was that bad)

"Cleaned it up a bit".

Still shines.

Now to transfer back into my name.

 

What a lovely car, glad you got it back on the road!

 

Nice job, derf. Are you sure you don't want to keep it a while?

 

Sssshhhh Rube. My wife will hear

 

I PROMISE I won't say a word to Bren.