Need help, engine stalling

[uglygc2]

I had an issue about 2 months ago that started as engine stalling and jumping in the rpm's, so I parked it and found that the spark plug ring gaskets on the valve cover failed and drained oil into the plug cylinders. I replaced the gaskets, cleaned the oil out and bought new plugs, new distributor cap, rotor and coil, all installed and working correctly. I started it and it was backfiring out of the intake, so I cleaned out the EGR valve and it stopped. I charged the battery and it started perfectly, idled great and ran. So I shut it off and now it wont start for more than a few seconds. It jumps to 1500rpm then slowly dies. If I give it gas it dies immediately. Any ideas are appreciated. There is good gas in the car and the plugs are sparking bright blue, so I'm stumped.

[deevergote]

Does the engine rev up, or does the tach move by itself? An erratic tach is an indication of a failing igniter, which is an easy fix.

Have you checked the condition of the plugs again since installing them?

[uglygc2]

The tach isnt erratic, it just sits at 1500 then dies down steadily until the engine stalls, kinda live a missing vaccuum line but all the hoses are good and sealed. I havent checked the plugs since I only started it once but spark was good and consistent before I started it the 1 and only time since the repairs. I've considered timing but having had badly timed cars before this doesnt seem the same.

[deevergote]

Yeah, ignition timing wouldn't cause a problem like that. In my experience, you can have the timing fully advanced or retarded and the engine will still run just fine.

Is the check engine light on, by any chance?

[RyanD]

what about the fuel system? have you replaced the fuel filter?

[uglygc2]

The CEL isn't on and the ECU isn't flashing any trouble codes. The fuel filter sounds like it may be a good thing to check lol. I'll buy a new one and see what happens. If not I can't imagine what else it might be. I've never experienced this problem before and without trouble codes I'm at a loss.

[roland lorenzo]

did you check your main relay?, try to remove under the dashboard and re-solder it, might solve your problem.

[DumbleDore!]

Mine was doing a routine of revving from 1100 up to 1500, and back down to 1100, over and over. My solution was replacing the IAC valve, and adjusting a screw. Don't remember which one, it wasn't the throttle rotor though.

[Corbenick]

Does the fitv have anything to do with erratic idle?

[roland lorenzo]

Does the fitv have anything to do with erratic idle?

absolutely yes.

[93redcb7]

try cleaning your FITV it might be clogged up or something

[tutsuo]

When you start the car, does it start rough ? or idle rough ? Sounds like fuel system.