One morning I tried to start it up and it wouldn't turn over for 4 or 5 times. The engine was cranking, I assumed there was no gas input. I read the fuel gauge (which has been all over the place lately) and it said empty. So I was like, great, no gas.... Then I tried again and it started up. As I drove away the gas gauge rose to a 1/4 tank and remained there. I heard these older bonns have bad fuel suction under a 1/4 tank, is this what I was experiencing? I have a 92 SSEi

I believe the older tanks had baffles in them. That could be what'* causing this. Do you park the car on a level area, or is it leaning one way or the other?

This particular morning the car was parked leaning to the left.... as in the driver seat was lower than the passenger seat (for example).

If the fuel pump is original its probably getting week.
Have you ever had your fuel pressure tested?

Theres hope. We will help

It'* an in-tank fuel pump so don't mess around with trying to crank it too many times. Not a cheap repair.

I've had the car for about a year so I'm still learning all the anomalies, so no I've never had the fuel pump checked. It'* been fine ever since and I haven't put anymore gas in it so I'm thinking it was just some random event (it was also quite cold that morning).

OK I had a very similar problem. Mine would just quit for no apparent reason, and then after 20 min or so it would start ok.

After a very long and difficult diagnostic period, including replacing the fuel pump 3x, we finally found the following: intermittent open in the wiring at the connector on the fuel sender assembly, which includes the wiring for the fuel pump. That your fuel guage is 'all over the place' may mean you have a similar problem (the wires for the pump and fuel guage all come through the same connector.)

The bad news: no way to replace the connector separately, and GM wants $460 for a new fuel sender assy--and that is without the fuel pump.

I found that the aftermarket now makes the assembly for about $80. I have one on order, supposed to be here monday, then we will see.