with the key on you can pull the plug off the oil pressure sender (down low on the block, passenger side) and the pump should run - at least it should get power... as a safety feature the fuel pump is wired to shut off if there's no oil pressure, in case of an accident where the engine is shut off and a line is ruptured. there's also a fuel pump relay to check - some of the other electrical gurus will have more specifics on these, but you should be able to hear the pump running which should help you test for the bad connection. while you're at it, might want to replace the fuel filter up front - if the tank was dirty/rusty there's a good chance that filter is toast.