2002 BASE JUSE DIES AT IDLE OR DRIVING

[TwoCruisersOldGuy]

I have had 5 PT Cruisers. All custom. I am old and am keeping this last one forever. It just dies three or four quick times while idling or once going down the road. This happens after it has been sitting for a few days and then does not do it the rest of the day. As I am keeping it these are the things I have replaced in the last few months as planned: Fuel pump and filter, tank cleaned, injectors, fuel rail cleaned, manifold gaskets, spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil, alternator, belts, timing belt, water pump, hoses, air filter, oil filter, oil, temp sensor, both trans sensors, map sensor, little breather hose, large intake accordion type hose, idle control valve, air charge intake control sensor, egr valve and tubing, starter, thermostat and housing, gas cap, crankshaft position sensor, all four motor and trans mounts, battery, cables, power steering rack with new sensor, and the usual suspension stuff with brakes etc. It can do this while warming up or at full operating temp after driving for a half hour or so. Then it doesn't do the rest of the day. This is driving me and two other great mechanics crazy. One is an automotive electrical specialist that the dealers send their electrical problems to and the other one is very very experienced in all aspects. Otherwise it drives and performs like a new car. No check engine lights ever. 204,000 miles. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. Orlando, Fl.

[meder24]

I would check to see if you have any sort of vacuum leak. You have a pretty extensive list of work that has been done but I do not see anything pertaining to this particular possibility aside from the manifold gasket.

[circus]

We all have a laundry list of repairs. Make a list of attempts to rectify this problem. Sounds to me like ignition... Start with grounds and work you way up.

[Handy_Cruiser]

You might consider removing the Idle Air Valve, cleaning it with carb cleaner and reinstalling it. Here's a video showing how to replace it. I would trying cleaning it first.

[TwoCruisersOldGuy]

I have had pros check for ignition problems, grounds, shorts, vacuum leaks, and have replaced idle control valve.

Still nothing.

Maybe a nice big fire would help.

[TwoCruisersOldGuy]

Going for cat and oxygen sensors next plus ambient temp sensor even though no codes.

[FeelthySanchez]

The obvious:
1) stalling @ idle is a classic sign of excess moisture in fuel.
2) Orlando is famous for humidity, & what we don't see here is any mention of fueling habits, nor moisture-absorbing fuel additives being used.
3) this engine has a lot of miles on it.
4) no codes thrown - might be time to seek a 2nd opinion.

Thus, please tell us that you're NOT fueling-up from the same inexpensive "Top Tier" gas station @ every opportunity.
In other words, perhaps try some other brand(s) of fuels at different locations & then a water-absorbing fuel additive like Berryman B-12, Red Line S-1, or STP.

Some good replies have been posted, then we see this .......

Originally Posted by TwoCruisersOldGuy

Going for cat and oxygen sensors next plus ambient temp sensor even though no codes.

Above is not a great idea: seldom is it wise to blindly throw expensive new parts at old problems. G' luck!

[TwoCruisersOldGuy]

I actually never throw parts at the wall hoping they stick. This is a list of items I had planned to do all at the same time as part of an updating/restoration for it to be the last car I ever drive (I am 75) and the fact that I am moving to another town and won't have my 15 year professional but, cheap to me, mechanic buddies with me. I retired as CFO of an international business you would recognize immediately and was a car guy my entire life. For fun, after retirement I managed a Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, repair shop owned by a german but I am shortly losing all of my 'contacts'. I buy gas everywhere so that is not it. A few have said it must be the PCM but that is expensive so I am not going to go there yet. The problem is that it can be a million things.

[LionPT]

I had a '77 280Z that would do that every time I had to jack up the car.
Adding a bottle of fuel injector cleared it every time.
Never figured out why.

[FeelthySanchez]

Collected water & tank sediment, my man.
Raising 1 end of the vehicle allowed it to run-off into the general "pool".

Originally Posted by LionPT

I had a '77 280Z that would do that every time I had to jack up the car.
Adding a bottle of fuel injector cleared it every time.
Never figured out why.