I've used starting fluid as a quick, test. Had no issues. Easy way to proof spark and compression

 

Keep in mind the stock ecu turns the pump on only if the engine is rotating. Therefore, when installing a new pump the fuel-system has to be primed by grounding the F/P diagnostic terminal with the ignition in the run position (do not start). You will hear the air bubble through the fuel system. Note: If the fuel-system is not primed, then fuel may not properly inject until the air is pushed through the fuel system.

Note: Grounding the F/P terminal will run the pump without the engine rotating. Also, keep in mind the F/P terminal switches the F/P relay and not the pump itself, so the relay needs to be functional.

I went through something similar where the engine was running then died. Grounding the F/P terminal would not turn the pump on. I replaced the pump and everything worked until the engine died once again about a month later. Again, the new pump would not turn-on, just like the origional pump. However, when I connected the origional pump directly to a battery, it worked! This prompted me to cut the original pump open and it looks like debris got caught between the brush and commutator. Since then I have been using a 60 micron filter sock on the pump inlet without an issue for over 2k miles (knock on wood).