I am having trouble with starting of a 88 TBI 305. If I turn the ignition on the fuel pump does not turn on. I need to turn over the car 3 to 4 times then I will finally hear the fuel pump run with the ignition on. The car will immediately fire then. The car runs fine after it is started. I have measured fuel pressure and there is no pressure until I hear the pump after the turning the car over several times. How does the fuel pump relay control the pump starting and does the pump need oil pressure to start?

 

You do not need oil pressure for the pump to turn on but the oil pressure switch is in the circuit incase your relay fails (I'm guessing while driving?)
Does your pump only turn on once your oil pressure has built up?
You could have a faulty relay or relay circuit. Pretty easy to test with a test light. And a small jumper.
http://austinthirdgen.org/mkportal/modules/contents/images/Fig35_1988_5_0L_throttle_body_fuel_injection_engine_wiring.gif

 

I have tried just cycling my ignition on repeatedly without turning the engine over and the fuel pump does not run. It only will run after turning the engine over. I'll check the fuel pump relay but that sounds like it might be it. Thanks

 

Agreed. Classic symptoms of a failed relay, OR the relay wire harness, OR the part of the ECM that controls the relay.

The "usual" issue is a failed relay, or loose contacts in the electrical panel that the relay plugs into.