Trying to rise my dads 71 from the dead. Original fuel injection engine. 1.7
On a whim I thought I would just try again.

Should the fuel pump run continuously? He says he he can't remember.

Engine has spark.
Fuel injectors were dry when I tried them in a jar. (Last month) I have not rechecked them today.
I am pretty sure the fuel lines are in order.
New fuel lines.
Replaced all the vacuum hoses to spec position.

Had it going on less than four cylinders for a few seconds. Two perhaps.

Any ideas?

When you turn the key on you should hear the pump for about 2 seconds for cranking. Once the engine is started the pump gets a signal from the "brain" to stay on. If the engine stalls or looses oil pressure, the pump will shut down.

You said the injectors were dry? sounds like they may be stuck/clogged. Check them by removing one at a time (leave plugged in) and see if it will spray into a jar while cranking the engine. they can be sent out for cleaning.

You should probably do a full tune up while you're at it, if you haven't already...
Verify fuel and spark at all cylinders.
Plugs
points
Cap/rotor
VALVES
Dwell/timing
...


If the pump isn't working right You might want to check the Relay or the connection to the oil pressure sending unit, or the pressure sending unit itself. It's below/behind the distributor.