how do i check and see if my fuel pump is working sufficently. dont want to go up in smoke!

 

I'm not expecting you to have one but if you have a fluke meter or something along the lines of that with a inductive amp clamp you can "amp ramp" but when all else fail get a fuel pressure guage that would probably be the easiest way i could think of.

 

Traditionally, a tech will install a mechanical fuel pressure gauge in the fuel line so as to sample the system real-time (both at idle and while driving)

What pressures you're looking for:

Carbureted: 4-6psi (28-41 kPa)
Fuel Injected: 38-46psi (260-310 kPa)

P