Engine dies off, will then restart

[Acidic]

I am looking at trading my ATX SHO for a manual sho. It has TONS of work done to it from the previous owner but it's having this problem, here is how the current owner explains the problem:

"There is one item thats starting to **** me off and thats every 2 days or so the engine will **** then all sudden die, but has always restarted either immediately or within :30 minutes. I looked over all the receipts, and see almost every module has already been replaced and its so intermittent I can hook any diagnostic equipment up to check it because it starts right back up...buts its very annoying!
"

Anyone have an idea what this could be?

 

[Ishodu]

Sounds like the crank shaft sensor. Most common failure of it is the water pump starts leaking on it. Do yourself a favor and check the codes. You can do it yourself its easy. Try a search on ECC codes, you will find instructions or a link to them.

 

[Acidic]

I sent him these questions:

Does it buck hard or just lose power?

When trying to restart it does it just seem dead, or just it try to turn over.

Does it throw off any check engine codes?

Does it run strong and hard all other times?

Does anything come out of the tailpipe when it restarts?

Does anything else go with the engine (lights?)

Does the fuel pump make any noise?

Does is ever not start?

and got these responses:

Sometimes the engine jerks (like spark went away) and the tach will also jolt then the engine will dye or will keep going.
The engine always will crank, but no start after, or will start right after. I've carried a scan tool with me when it dies and there are never any codes.
OBD1 doesnt store codes anyway. I need a Motis or equivalent to be hooked up at all times then hit the record button when I know its going to act up.
Yes, the engine is very strong and never misses a beat every other time.
"Does anything come out the tail pipe when it restarts?" -huh?
Yes, I hear the fuel pump prime every time I cycle the key.
If I wait long enough it always restarts.

I'm guessing its either: Crank sensor, Cam sensor or DIS module or a chaffed wire. For some reason (like I mentioned before) real bumpy roads sets it off more then anything. Temperature doesn't. I don't see any receipt for a cam sensor but I do see both the DIS and crank sensor to have been replaced (as well as the pcm). The tach signal is controlled via the DIS so Im somewhat leaning that way too.

The only other issues with it are:

he upper strut mounts squeak when turmimg when its cold out. Forums say its because i cut one dead coil off the front to level it out. So I guess either live with the noise, find a set of front Intrax springs or install the OE springs (I still have them).

and

a rattling release bearing at idle intermittently,