Help please

[mikeyc]

Hi all
I have just bought my first golf, an 8v 1988 gti 78k miles and better than OK body. Problem i have is that it starts and runs a little then after a few yards looses most/all of its power (as though the fuel has been switched off). After starting up again it will run and rev ok then the same will happen when I set off. I have been told that is could be the ECU but have no idea where it is. Other options are fuel filter or injectors or pump. I have worked on other cars (but no VW's) but never come across this kind of problem. Any suggestions please

[rubjonny]

pull the electrical plug off the main pump under the car, then turn the key 1 click.  if you cant hear the in-tank pump prime then you've found the problem
also does the rev counter go nuts when it cuts out at all?