So tonight my 00xj dies. I left her running ran into gas station, came out, sat down. Then Betty 3rd cuts off. Go to crank, she spins, shes got spark, i hear my pump whir and all but wont catch. Ether ignites but no sustained fire. Im thinking a problem between the fuel filter and fuel rail. Like a filter full of junk or an injector(s) clogged. But whats the chance of all 6 at once? Does this sound like sugar to anyone or am i paranoid. Please all and any ideas welcome. Thanks. [ obviously its an L6-4.0]

 

Awfully specific sugar reference, who have you pissed off lately?

 

Doesn't have a fuel filter.

Check the fuel pressure. The pump can make noise but not be moving fuel.
I changed the title of your thread to get you more views.

 

As it runs on ether, you have identified a fuel delivery problem. Most likely the fuel pump. Gotta test for fuel pressure though as Cruiser mentions. For your vintage, you need approximately 49 psi for the engine to start and run. If you don't have a gauge, most parts stores will rent you one inexpensively, call around for availability.

If it is lacking in pressure, you need to replace the entire "fuel pump assembly". The assembly contains the pump, regulator, sending unit for gauge, filter and check valves. There is no in-line serviceable fuel filter as with earlier models. Located in the gas tank, tank has to come down to access the fuel pump assembly.

 

The silver can on top of the tank is the fuel pressure regulator and filter.