I have a 1997 4.6 with 70K miles. For the last six weeks or so it doesn't always want to start like normal. It sounds like it's gasping for fuel; then it'll usually start and run fine. The other day it wouldn't start. Towed it to independent garage who I've been pleased with in the past. While there it started fine. Left it overnight and still no problem next day. They checked for codes, etc. all was fine there. They thought it may be an intermittent fuel pump malfunction but didn't want to change it because it worked while there, not to mention the cost. They changed the fuel filter and measured flow and pressure; it was the same as with the old filter (24K on old filter). When fuel pumps malfunction is it like this? Does anyone have an opinion on the problem? I don't have confidence that it won't leave me stranded again. Thanks.