I was having problems with my 1981 el camino cutting off when I would slow down. I cleaned egr ports and valve. I also replaced the ignition control module as suggested on Askmehelpdesk. I started the car and let it run for a while. I pressed the acdelerator to "break" the choke and it cut off. Would not re-start. What could have caused this?

What engine?

Check for spark and check for fuel. Ensure the coil is in good shape and not too old. Also, it could easily be a dirty or misadjusted carburetor. It may be getting flooded. Have you ever rebuilt the carburetor, which is a dying art? If you have, check the pump, float, choke pull-off, and idle air screw adjustments. Ensure the gasket between the carburetor and intake manifold doesn't leak and is in great shape. Carburetors on old cars that have sat a long time should be rebuilt.

Do you run an auto repair shop?

I went out this morning and tried starting my '81 el camino again. Would not start. I unplugged the TSP sensor(I believe--plugs into the side of the carburetor) and plugged it back in and the car started immediately. Once again, I recently cleaned egr valve and ports, installed a new ignition coil, and a new ignition control module. Could it be the TSP sensor is going bad? I don't feel comfortable disassembling the carburetor. The car flashes a code 12 when checked. I am NOT and mechanic and no I do not run an auto repair shop. Mechanic work does interest me however.

Engine in 1981 El Camino is V6 229 with 3 speed manual transmission. I think the distributor has been changed. I had a tough time finding the Ignition Control Module. It had to be ordered and according to the parts store the module was for automatic transmission. As far as I know the car is a factory original 3-speed in the floor.

DTC 12--No distributor reference pulse.

That code may indicate that an internal distributor sensor or connection is bad. Make sure all connections are clean and tight. If the problem persists, it looks like AutoZone carries the correct replacement distributor.

It sounds like, however, the problem is with the carburetor. Find out exactly what that part is that is interfering with it running. How long will the engine run, when it starts?