So
I reconfirmed spark

Pinching off the return line got me nothing

Cracking a line while cranking got me a small drip
I did this with an assistant and a big fire extinguisher outdoors!!

Now I am thinking fuel and pricing a pump but, one more test

I pulled the fuel pump down to check voltage to eliminate wiring probs

What a mess.
At some point a PO had cut the harness at the FP
spliced 8" of wire in with those evil blue crimp on taps
crimped female spade connectors to the new wire
and crimped male spade connectors to the FP...
corrosion and simple loose connectors had done the rest.

ARGH

Now I will be paraniod of every wire until I replace them

Why did I have pump noise?
the sound of the transfer(in tank) pump was what I heard.
It is substantially louder then the main pump.

Why didn't the tach jump?
I don't know...
It works fine when the car is running
Maybe my eyes are getting old

Thank you all very much
One more thing to be aware of...PO's hacks
Miguel
--
My First Volvo - stock (for now) '84 244, 230+kmi. Owned it since 9/03