[wachuku]

pull the new fuel filter out and drain it onto some paper see if its loaded with garbage

Thanks for suggestion. Followed it, but all appears clean.

If you really have 10 psi...

My thoughts as well. So I slapped the fuel pressure gauge on a '97 Saturn, turned the key to on position w/ engine off, and obtained an immediate 40 psi. From which I draw two inferences: (1) I appear capable of properly administering a fuel pressure test; (2) 10 psi might even be on the high side for my car (based on personal observations of my particular gauge).

If the center small o-ring is left out the pressure will be too low

The center small O-ring is present.

The only remaining [possibility] I see based on your diagnosis is a lack of fuel

There's fuel in the tank -- and on me, and on the ground below my fuel filter.

Look around for a reputable shop and let them do it would be my advice.

Advice that is probably sage. Nonetheless I intend to attempt to replace the fuel pump myself. I've been under the vehicle, disconnected the electrical to what I presume will be the fuel pump, and I've successfully turned (loosened) three of the four tank strap bolts. The fourth and final bolt is beneath the exhaust shield, but I believe I will be able to access it and loosen it tomorrow (mosquitoes too bad tonight).

Some Questions:

• Is there some sort of back-flow stop-valve where the fuel filler neck interfaces with the tank? I believe my tank is near 3/4 full; do I need to remove fuel to prevent spill when tank-to-neck interface is disassembled? On the other hand, there are pictures of "dropping the tank" for a '94 Eldo in the link below, and apparently fuel filler lines are left attached -- but if so, it seems they must be on passenger side for '94 eldo. On my car exhaust shield is on passenger side and fuel filler lines are on driver side, and I don't see how I could lower and tilt tank towards driver side with filler lines attached. In my case should I tilt towards exhaust shield (passenger) side while filler lines remain attached on driver side?
• http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...tructions.html (Fuel pump replacement instructions)
• The metal part of the fuel neck on my vehicle is rusted; should I attempt to replace the neck at this time? Is the metal neck removable without disassembling several suspension components? (I prefer not to replace unless rust indicates corrosion problem likely before a conservative 100,000 mi / 10 yr from now).
• How tall is a '97 fuel pump? I have my car on jack stands so tires are 1-2 inches above ground; will this be high enough even with tank lowered all the way to the ground?