My 98 SSEi wont start. Seems to have spark. When I push on the schrader valve on the fuel rail sometimes it sems to have lots of pressure other times none. I can't hear the fuel pump run when I turn the key on. I took the air cleaner off and sprayed some gas in the throttle body and it will run as long as I keep squirting fuel. Any suggestions on why the pump might not be getting power before I drop the tank and replace the pump? It thas 171,000 miles on the factory pump.

If you are getting fuel pressure at all the fuel pump is getting power. Best thing to do is check fuel pressure at the rail. If the pressure is low and you already have changed the fuel filter (you did, didn't you?) you need to change the pump.

Before you go dropping that tank, take a look at this thread and see if it pertains to you.

https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.php?t=278980

Around 27psi is what it takes to start the car. Won't run good..but that'* about what it takes. Yeah..don't ask..lol

As for checking for power. On the passengerside behind the fuel tank is the electrical connector for it. You can check power there before dropping the tank.

Bummer!
I replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump and I still do not have any pressure at the fuel rail. Looks like I need to trace the power supply to the pump back to its source and see if I can figure out why I don't have power. Which wire should be hot at the connector by the fuel tank when I turn on the key?? Is there a fuel pump relay that can go bad?

I mentioned this thread earlier, have you read it yet?

https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.php?t=278980

Yes , Mike I did check the ground bar on the drivers side as shown in the post. It looked like brand new. I put a little dielectric grease on it to be sure, and put it back together.
I turned the key to on and heard the pump for 2 seconds. I turned the key from off to on 5 times. Each time the pump ran for 2 seconds then stopped. Turned the key to start and it came right to life! Let it run for about 30 seconds and turned it off. CLeaned up all the tools , took the car down off the jackstands went to pull it out of the garage and it would not run. It starts right up then stumbles and dies after 2 or 3 seconds. If I pump the throttle vigorously I can get it to stumble on for 4 or 5 seconds and then it dies. I resarted it this way at least a dozen times, each time it comes to life easily but dies almost emediately. When I depress the schrader valve on the fuel rail, fuel squirts up 10 or 12 inches into the air. I don't a fuel pressure guage but it looks to me like I have all kinds of fuel pressur e now.

No check engine light?

Have you done anything with the MAF sensor recently?

you check the power and make sure the ground is good through the connector that bill mentioned? ive had to solder those together on my inlaws 96 because it wasnt making all the time

Gremlins? I went out to try to start it and get it to stay running by squirting fuel into the throttle body. I had my wife try to start while I stood ready to squirt some fuel. As soon as she turned the key it came to life and ran like a champ. Let it run for atleast 10 minutes. It idled perfect revved real clean and smooth. Ran perfect!! Turned it off and put the back seat back in (looking for the fuel relay,thought I read somewhere that it was mounted behind the back seat, not the case!) When I went to fire it up I was back at ground zero. It just cranks, won't come to life. Seems to have plenty of fuel pressure at the fuel rail.
Justin, Where did you find the bad connection that you had to solder.
Mike, no check engine light, Do you think squirting gas into the throttle body could have damnaged the Maf?