Trouble keeping the engine running

[Toyota-owner]

Hi. I am new to the forum and in need of help.

I have a 98 LE 2.2L 159K miles. Over the last 6-8 months my Camry, on occasion, especially when it has been sitting for a while, will start then immediately stop. It always turns over but doesn't stay on. The only way that I can get it to stay on is to turn it on then immediately rev the engine by pumping the gas. Once I do this a few times it eventually "finds" the idle and stays on and there are no problems. What could this be? a bad fuel pump or throttle? I have no idea. Please help. Thanks.

[pokekevin]

Hey i had a similar issue like yours on my 98 camry v6. But instead i had to keep my foot down on the pedal to keep the engine running. After awhile the engine just started to work by itself From what the mechanic told me, it was a simple repair. Had something to do with a cable relating to the throttle?

[Spartan0536]

I have a 95 Camry 2.2L 5SFE, and my Camry after sitting for a week or so will do something similar, check your exhaust after revving to idle your engine and if smoke is coming out then that means that your oil has been sitting and you are not getting enough new oil to the important parts of your engine but usually after revving or giving another turnover and idle sit the new fresh oil will coat the parts and it will run like it should. the best things that you can do is get better grade all season oil and check your compression to make sure it isn't something more serious. If oil is burning then its more than likely the situation described in my message above. Change your oil regularly and use high quality oil like for yours maybe a synthetic blend for high milage engines and an oil stabilizer by Lucas. Doing routine maintainence like changing your air filter and getting your fuel system PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED may help remedy this, and always remember that if you are going on a long trip or if you have multiple cars to once every few days at least have someone or yourself start the car and let it idle for about 1 minute to keep it in good running condition.