1998 Ford Escort

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Ford Escort 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 77xxx miles

Im working on a friends car and it will start every time and run smoothly anywhere from 20 seconds to a few minutes then begins idleing roughly and gas pedal is unresponsive. It doesnt stall unless you put it in gear or touch the gas pedal and let off without pumping. Had obd2 scan run and only code is EVAP canister purge valve which I believe it p1443. But from what I've read(this code seems common among fords) this wouldnt cause the above porblem. Possible clogged fuel filter/bad fuel pump/IAC? Trying to save them some money so I'm trying to avoid the guess and check method.