Can you hear the fuel pump whine when you turn the key?
Had an rs2000 vam and the wire came off the fuel pump on mine.
Just check that first. If i dosnt kick in check the relay, pump itself and the cut off switch.
Had that go on my escort van just would start one morning. If i primed the filter it would run for 2-3 seconds then die so this could be his problem as they just go suddenly!