BACKGROUND:

I have a 1981 242 straight shift with push-button OD.

Long story short, I took my car to a new mechanic (I recently moved) to replace what I suspected was a bad pre-pump. The mechanic diagnosed it as such, but wanted to do the pre-pump and the relay. I told them to do only the pre-pump (cost=$230, which I verified at 2 other shops.) When I picked up my car, they had instead replaced the main-pump without my authorization (something I would have done myself). Cost= $400. I paid the money, took my car back, and am currently dealing with follow-up action. My original thread about this repair is: http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=655202

I am now concerned with 1)- getting my money, or a large portion of it, back. 2)- making sure that my car has been fixed properly. I have found a new mechanic to take her to, but (go figure) can't afford it yet. I would like to get my complaint rolling though, so to strengthen my case I am wondering about the questions below.


QUESTIONS/ISSUES:

I asked for the old part, which they gave me (I can only assume/hope it is actually the one out of my car.) Is there a way to test the main fuel pump when it is out of the car? Would a failing main pump display the same symptoms as a failing pre-pump (esp. the worsening condition below 1/2 a tank)

I originally suspected the pre-pump due to excvessive whine by the main pump. The noise has subsided somewhat, but there is still an easily audible hum. The closest thing I could compare it to is an 88 240- should the noise be about the same?

If the pre-pump is bad, would a new main-pump mask the problem until the main-pump starts to wear out?

Any additional info you can provide about the mechanics, or complaint mechanisms (I plan on going through Better Business Bureau) is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading such a long post, and as always, for your insightful help.