So the Young Princess just recently got her license, and like the good Dad, I decided to donate my resurrected 240 wagon to her occasional driving needs. Today was no exception: She and New BF wanted to go to the local beach. Reasonable, since the temp was about 90* in the shade. She wanted to drive, because she likes to. Told her OK, take the Wagon. And off she went. Decided to go to the better (and further) beach, which is about 60 miles away. She almost made it.

I get "the call" and she's describing how the car is running very well, and then starts to surge and lose speed. She pulls over, car is idling fine. Pulls back onto the highway, runs fine. Then starts to surge again, and is losing speed. Pulls over. Shuts down the engine. Car won't re-start. Calls AAA, and car is towed to local Chain Tire and Repair Facility. Dad drives the 60 miles to rescue the Princess and her Beau, and also to sign the work order. At this point car starts right up, drives around the parking lot, but being about closing time on a Saturday....I'm not willing to try and take the car back home and get stranded again.

Told them I was convinced that the issue was fuel related, and before they started tearing into (and charging me for) a new fuel pump, that they needed to confirm that the relay is OK.

Q: Given the symptoms, and given the fact that it was hotter than Blazes outside, and given the fact that it starts up when it sits for awhile.....am I looking more likely at relay (thermal) problems, or a fuel pump that's deciding when and where to die? What do I tell the techs to look for, and in what order, so I don't end up with unnecessary parts replacement?

Thanks!
B