Questions and Answers

Chrysler Laser Stalling Occasionally Q. Hi, problem: car stalls intermittently. Engine dies while driving. Starts again in a moment. When car dies there is no warning like coughing or stuttering. All systems appear to be working. No consistent environment when it dies, like heat, cold, or driving condition. 1986 Chrysler Laser 2.2 liter Manual transmission 140,000 miles Thanks, Michael

A. The most likely cause of this problem is a faulty or plugged EGR valve port and pintle. I have seen too many of the late 80's Chrysler products with this problem to not recommend that you check this out first. Remove the mounting bolts for the EGR valve and look at the manifold ports, you will probably see carbon buildup in them, look at the pintle in the EGR valve, again you will probably see carbon buildup.

If you don't have a vacuum pump or gauge you can check the diaphragm for leaks but manually pushing the pintle up into the valve and blocking off the vacuum port with a tight fitting vacuum cap. Let it set for a few minutes while observing the pintle. If the pintle won't stay retracted with the port blocked off or slowly extends, the diaphragm leaks and you need to replace the EGR valve.

If no leaks, proceed with carefully cleaning the pintle and ports with a wire brush and solvent. Replace the EGR gasket and re-install the valve. This should solve your problem.