i just checked the fuel pressure and it would at first jump to 42 psi as the pump primed, then drop to 39psi. Is this a sign that the fuel pump is good or bad?

 

1st off Marine, your having one problem, make 1 thread, this way we can see your progress. In my experience fuel pump was all or nothing, when was the last time you changed your fuel filter ?

 

i changed the filter about 6-8 thousand miles ago

 

Those are my fuel pressure numbers, as long as it stays at 39psi for awhile, it's fine.

 

What is the fuel pressure after the engine is shut down for a while?

 

I happened to notice you posted another question about the car cutting out after it was low on fuel. If you would have kept the original post going, it would have been easier for people to answer you.

For example you said the car cuts off intermittantly in your first post. In this post you said the fuel pressure is 39psi. Well for the outsider looking in it seems as though you checked the pressure when the car is running fine. Did you check the pressure when the engine quits on you?

The only way you can do this is tape a pressure gage to the windshield (one with a hose obviously) and drive it until you have a problem.