I the interest of having threads of questions matched with related solutions I am completing this thread.

I think I found the solution to my stalling problem. Working from the fact that the replacement fuel pump from the wreckers was dry, it stands to reason that the gasoline in the pump had evaporated and left behind a yellow varnish, probably causing the check valve to stick periodically. A full tank of gas and a can of fuel injection cleaner seems to have done the trick.

I hope someone finds this tread useful!

Kevin