been a while since i updated.
more or less resolved the fuel system issues. installed a fuel pressure gauge mounted on the csi hardline union bolt. helped in diagnosing stuff, like failing fuel pumps. eventually replaced the fuel pump eight or nine times (thread details at yotatech
https://www.yotatech.com/f116/hard-s...l#post52275581 ). cleaned the fuel rail, had the injectors cleaned again, blew air through the lines, etc, with the result that the 4r has been running well for almost a year.
took it on a cross country trip to the southwest and back, 30 days on the road, 8500 miles, one headlight was the only casualty. water pump failed in my garage the morning after i returned, so i replaced it with a new aisin i had on hand.
wally