1989colt1.5liter was sputtering and lacking power. now wont start. it is not pumping fuel up to fuel filter even after replacing fuel pump. looks like some sort of clear relay in gas tank is melted on its inside. i cant hear fuel pump prime system when i turn key to run position but i do hear it pumping once i start turning engine over. if i hold e accelorater to floor engine while starting engine will barely sputter for about 15 to 20 seconds then die. please help me

could be low float level, low pump pressure/supply
blocked fuel filter
when cold the engine is running on choke setting which draws more fuel from the carby
when it is warm the choke is off and if you have a flat spot ( (sputter) , that indicates a lack of fuel or maybe a bad accelerator pump or power valve
if the carby is a holley then replace the power valve and overhaul the accelerator pump.

Usually a sputter will occur under load conditions like going up hill from a lack of fuel. Start by changing the fuel filter.

Take it to someone who can read the car codes with VADIS.

I have a feeling the Fuel pump sending unit otherwise known as Fuel pump control module (PEM) has a low signal, and is starting to fail. A regular OBDII could pick it up even if you do not have a CEL. Low signal interval could cause the sputtering crank but no start condition.

Were all the fuses checked?

Fuel pressure sensor on the fuel rail could also be looked at. OBDII or VADIS can reveal the issue.

Just something to look at.

Steering issues sound like another issue, could be the pump pulley seizing up? Any sounds coming from the steering pump?

My guess is a burnt valve - check compression.

Based on the condition of the plugs it sounds like its running rich. I almost wonder if someone sold you the wrong pumps and you have too much pressure or something.

Could also very well be whacked injectors. I am thinking it may even be a timing issue...

sounds like a fuel problem. could be a fuel shut off switch, fuel pump relay, fuel pump. Possible bad electrical plug connection to pump

You have run the battery down, not enough power to turn the starter over. First thing is to look at the battery and see if it is 4 years old or older. If so replace the battery. If not then charge the battery back up but you will need to disconnect the wires from battery first to charge it correctly. Clean the battery terminals on battery and the cable end that connect to battery. The fuel problem is with the fuel filter or the pump. Lack of fuel pressure to injectors causing it to die. Will need to replace filter and pump to correct this problem. Hope this will help you.

the filter on fuel pump might be clogged as well or fuel pump needs replaced

Your fuel filter is probably clogged

Does it do this on warm restarts or on cold starts? Have you checked fuel pressure? It sounds like a bad pump, but I would try the filter first.