300TE fuel delivery issues

[rjk]

A long while back I asked a question as to the number of fuel pumps my wagon had and was told in no uncertain terms there was only one. Well, I currently have a gas leak and in poking about under the car found not one but 2 pumps. Imagine my surprise. Turns out the leak is in the hose between the 2 pumps, expensive sucker! All the hoses look rough so I'll be replacing them all (as well as the filter) which leads to my questions.

What is the fuel accumulator?

Is it likely to need replacement? How do I check it?

How do I test the fuel pumps to make sure they are both good?

The car acts like it is running out of gas after it uses about 13 gallons (coughs, misses, stalls) but is cured with a fill-up. My gut tells me this points to a bad pump or a bad pickup hose in the tank. Is there such a thing?

I'd like to take care of all the potential fuel problems now while the car is up in the air and not have to keep bringing it back in to the shop (it's my daughter's college car).

Any info would be appreciated. Thanx.