1987 260E: replacing fuel pump

[throne7]

How difficult is it to replace the fuel pump & filter on the 1987 260E ??? I am having trouble starting the car and since have a brand new pump handy I might as well put it in. I am renting a hoist & tools from one of the body shop (no joke, www.rentabay.com) so I can get underneath and work on this once and for all. Basically when I crank the car, sometimes it would sounds as if the car has started, so I let go of the key to have it settle itself into running position, and the car just cut out. I would start it again and it would start up just fine. Weird. This happens for both hot and cold starting. I have already had the ignition coil & fuel pump replaced (brand new parts), brand new spark plug wires & spark plugs. I am worry if I don't do this now, it will some day leave me stranded somewhere, because the problem seems to be getting worse. Thx

PS: How safe are these garage hoist/jack? This is hte full service hoist, where it lifts your car straight up? What can I do to make sure everything is safe before going underneath? Thx