Chrysler Repair: 85 labaron wont idle, it stalls, narrow gauge, car stalls

Question
QUESTION: my car stalls and wont idle, i can keep it running if i continue to pump it

ANSWER: Hi Roger,
If your engine is fuel injected (please tell me which engine you have and whether it is carbureted or fuel injected, if you write back) you should be able to get a fault code readout from the engine controller memory using the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine/power loss light which remains "on" to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to assure that you have an accurate set of counts. Tell me the counts in the order of appearance so as to see if any of the faults are likely the cause of the no idle.
If your engine has an egr valve that would be something to check to make sure that it isn't stuck ajar, which leans the mixture so much as to prevent idling. I'll await to hear which engine you have before going into the details.
Roland
PS You can send me a folow-up report without having to wait for me to available to take a question by using the "thank/rate" tab below. There is a space for comments.



my car has a carb, pretty sure its a 2 barrel. where would i find the egr valve you mention

The valve is on the rear side of the engine (toward the firewall) where you should see a narrow gauge pipe running horizontally that connects it to the intake manifold's underside. The valve's body is bolted to the side of the exhaust manifold directly where the exhaust pipe attaches to the manifold.
It has a round vacuum-operated top, and between that top and the body there is a open flange area with a rod inside of it. Note the rod has a circumferential slot into which you can place the tip of a screwdriver. That rod is the valve stem and it moves back and forth by means of the vacuum actuator. Using the tip of a screwdriver, make sure that the spring-action movement of the rod is such that the stem is moved to a dead stop by the spring. It is seems to be sticky in its movement and is not closing to a dead stop by means of the spring, then spray some WD-40 on stem where it enters the valve body and work it back and forth to free up the movemnt.
I don't believe that you will have any fault codes if you have the carbureted engine. So if it isn't the egr it is probably the carbureter.
My best suggestion then would be to go to the Yahoo autos group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club and ask for advice about the symptom you are experiencing. There are several members who have the carbureted models and lots of knowledge. State the size (L) of the engine and specify the manufacturer of the carbureter and of course the year.
I hope the egr is the reason as it is easy. The carb is not so easy.
Roland

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QUESTION: I sincerely thank you for your advice,I will check what you mentioned.I think its something simple, however I will tell you, I only paid 300 for this car and its in great shape. today it really tried to idle, I am willing to bet I got a killer deal, I know how to turn wrenches , thanx a bunch

Answer
Hi Roger,
You are welcome. I am pleased with your purchase and hope that you can keep it on the road for a long time further. I do have the '85 shop manual should you need any info. Be sure to specify which engine you have brand of carb as there were several possible powertrains, and also the digit in the 7th place if the VIN as that is the body code of the vehicle of which there are 4 types of Lebarons. As I noted earlier, you can use the "thank/rate" to get back without waiting for an 'available' question slot.
Roland