Mayer did you ever figure this one out? I have the same notebook with the same issues it starts and then shuts down randomly. Sometimes it quits during startup sometimes 20-30-120mins later... Id love to revive my MBP. Someone mentioned to me it may be the pram battery or maybe the logic board?
By the way, I have been in the Air Force for 13 years (started out enlisted, recently got commissioned) and I think your offer to CANDIDO and his son is really really great! I wanted to say thank you for offering your help to him and his family from a fellow service member.
Thanks again for any info you could provide
2nd LT Eric Krispin