Fuel relay problem periodic non start

About once every ten starts or if I drive a very short distance and shut the car off, it will not start. It turns over but will not fire. I read that the fuel relay might be bad and purchased a new one. I waited until it happened again and then plugged in the new one. It started right up. However, about ten times later it would not start with the new one in. After scratching my head a few minutes, I unplugged the new fuel relay looked at it and plugged it back in. It immediately started. Now when I drive a short distance and it doesn't start I merely unplug the relay, plug it back in and go on my merry way. What gives??? I know how to get it started but this procedure can be rather annoying. Does anyone have any answers, please?

Corroded wire connector at the relay?

If you plug it back in, it would scrape the connector and make contact.

I have the same problem with my 83 944. I don't know if it is a relay problem or not though. I can give it a shot of starting fluid and it will fire and run great. I think I am getting air in the fuel system some how..

The fuel pump pulls from the very bottom of the fuel tank so unless you're running out of gas, there shouldn't be any air in the system.

check out this: www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/fuel-16.htm since it seems like you have spark but no fuel.