I wanted to get the brickboard's opinion on a symptom in my Wagon. When I move the key to the || position sometimes the fuel pump buzzes, sometimes it does not. In either case the car will start when I move the key to |||. It just seems to take a extra second of of cranking when I don't hear the initial buzz. Any thoughts on this? I unplugged the connections, they look fine, I need to get a small wire brush to make sure they are clean, any thoughts on cleaning tools. Maybe cleaning won't matter and the pump is starting to go out. Anybody had this symptom? Also, I guess the pump is still buzzing when car is running it is obviously just harder to hear.

Also, on a related issue that I am still fighting. The car starts fine cold, but when it is hot it often will not start. I have changed out all the standard relays, power stage, crank sensors etc. I am wondering now if my intermittent lack of buzz and hot no start may be related. Also, who do y'all buy fuel pumps from? I know Groton is popular. Are there others vendors just as good that may be cheaper. Also do y'all always use bosch replacement pumps? I am thinking on a 180K 20 year car I should be replacing the pump as a reliability measure anyway. As always thanks for ideas and experience.

One final question, do y'all buy new ballast resistors for a 20 year old car as a reliability enhancement. It is really the only thing I have not changed. Groton wants 130 for it which I would rather not have to spend. I may try to get one used for 20 as a backup.