The subject is a 93 Corsica with a suspected bad fuel pump. What is the best way to confirm if the pump is bad?

I've pulled the hoses on both sides of the fuel filter, cranked the engine and nothing has come out either hose. Would that indicate that the pump is either bad or not getting power?

 

I nice easy way to tell would be to turn the key to the 'on' position (without starting the car) and having someone by the fuel tank and fuel pump to listen if it turns on. It'll buzz for 2 seconds or so. If you hear nothing, that means the fuel pump isn't turning on. It could be the ignition (not so likely), a bad connection to the fuel pump (maybe), or just a bad fuel pump. If the car occasionally starts, there may be a dead spot on the commutator of the fuel pump. An easy way to test for that is to rap on the fuel tank where the fuel pump is and see if it starts the next time. Or you could just drop the tank (empty the fuel first!!) and hook power directly to the pump and see if it turns on.

 

Remember the K.I.S.S. thoery. Keep It Simple Stupid, meaning look for the easiest fix first...something I always forget to do. Check the fuse for the fuel pump. Test the wiring at the pump with a test light. When was the fuel filter changed last? remove the feed into the fuel rail and turn the key on, don't try and start the engine to see if any fuel runs out into a can like D_Nyholm said.


Also check the fuel lines for rust, there could be a small hole and it is vapor locking the fuel line...I had that happen once.

 

I did???

Turn the key to the 'on' position WITHOUT starting the car. You'll hear the fuel pump come on. If you don't, there is something wrong with the pump.

 

That is how I read and what I meant by saying don't try to start the engine. You shouldn't have to try and crank the engine to get fuel to flow. Sorry if I mis-read that.