When my crankshaft position sensor failed the engine sputtered like it was out of time and died. After coasting to a stop at a wide place in the road it cranked back up and ran poorly for a little bit. After that it would try to run but I stopped trying because I was on the side of the road in a safe spot and I didn't' want to take a chance on it quitting at a place where I couldn't get off the road. After doing a little testing I knew it was time to call a tow truck and get it home. My point is, experience has taught us you never rule anything out until you have proven that it's not the problem.