You folks out there are grate. This is the same vehicle that belongs to my daughter that has the stopping problem after leaving a stop sign or just quits in stop and go hwy traffic. My orginal message posted Jan,4th at 9:52pm. Before I could solve the orginal problem the head gasket blew and the vehicle is in the repair shop for that repair. I have a list of things you folks suggested I check, clean or replace. I was going to do some repairs myself but now that the 240 is in the shop with the head off maybe it would be better for them to do the work and the remainder I will do later. The following items is what I was going to do, which should they do now?
Clean throttle body, replace intake snorkle between AMM and throttle body, Check idle position for clicking, Check AMM, Re-seat AMM connectors, Clean idle control valve, Replace engine position sensor, Clean flame trap, Replace thermostac in air box, Check temp sensor wires for cracking.
Can anyone help which ones should the repair shop no if the head is off?

If that crank position sensor is located where my '91 is located (on top of the bell housing), it would be a lot easier to replace that while the head is off, especially if you have big hands that won't fit in there where the sensor is located.

Based on the symptoms you describe, that sensor is a good candidate for replacement at this time. I agree that most of the rest is best done on your own.

If you are on really good terms with the mechanic (try bringing home-made cookies), he might even let you sneak in and replace that CPS while he has the head off. As I recall, all it takes is a 10mm wrench and a couple of minutes.

Jerry,

I think the only repairs the shop should do in this case is to replace the timing belt, tensioner puller, all new oil seals in the front (cam, intermediate, and crank), new rear cam cap, and check/adjust valve clearances.

The remaining items you mentioned can all be done when the head gasket is replaced, and they are fairly easy repairs. There's no reason to pay $60 per hour for someone to clean your throttle body or AMM connectors.

Good luck,
XY Liang

I agree with Survivor99 - those are all shadetree items which can be done yourself. You'll save a lot of $$$ and learn a lot about your car.

If you don't know for sure that compression was good, you could ask the shop to check the valves for proper sealing - which a good shop would do anyway. If the head gasket failed due to overheating, the shop must check for proper flatness of the head deck, and correct if necessary by skimming the head a few thou's.

If they do the valves, they will give them an initial clearance which is toward the loose end of the specifications, as they tend to close up after that job. You need to have these clearances checked after about 500-1000mi and readjusted as needed. After that they should not need any care for a long, long time.
--
Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F)