Please excuse my inept language for talking about cars. I will need some help with this if I am to take matters into my own hands and learn about my awesome new brown brick. 1984-240 DL Wagon.

Just purchased. Replaced battery and most fuses. Had a local mechanic check it out - nothing severe to consider replacing. He says, "looks good." Replaced alt. belt, timing belt, and cam seal (was leaking).

Last night, started having a hard time starting up. Each attempt taking longer and longer to get it turned over and running. On the way home, some issues with accelerating. I press the gas, the car doesn't give me anymore power, in fact it lags. I make it home. Pfew.

Today, try to get it started. I disconnect the battery and pinch the fuse holders a bit, they tend to be a bit loose. Then I reattach the battery. Try again and get it running after a bit. Not a starter issue, as it clicks and starts chugging. I get it going and look under the hood. The engine is shaking hard. I press my hand into it to steady it a bit and it dies. I didn't touch wires or anything. Now, I can't get it turned over at all. Still, clicks and starts chugging - fires but doesn't turn over all the way. Tries hard.

My uneducated diagnosis from web surfing and chatting with wrecking yard friends. Fuel pump relay? Fuel delivery line? Fuel filter? I plan to check in this order. Is it realistic that I can do this on my own? With the help of a manual? Any other suggestions for this particular problem. Or similar problems I should consider for the future.

I plan to purchase a few fuel relays, I understand they are problematic.
Please advise. Thanks so much. Glad to be a part of the community.