Intermittent issue of the car shutting off while making right turns?

Tiny
WILLOPUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 164,210 MILES
Engine stumbles and stalls in right turns seldom left but sometimes. Restarts easily. My first thought is fuel pick up, but the issue happens at half tank. Or the tank baffles aren't doing what they do. The car is in good repair given its age never wrecked.
Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 8:44 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That is an odd one. As far as baffles, I don't feel that is an issue. Does this happen when the tank is full or above half tank? Has the check engine light ever stayed on when the engine is running?

As far as the fuel tank is concerned, there is a strainer that prevents dirt from reaching the pump itself. Fuel stoppage at this point would indicate that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water. However, turning could cause it to get blocked if it is dirty enough. In this case, the tank should be thoroughly cleaned, and the strainer replaced. (See pic below)

Let me know your thoughts on my ideas.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
WILLOPUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just started to siphon some gas out and I found the trunk half full of water from recent rain. When it dries up, I'm confident the issue will bite me on the nose. Got to say your advice is great left me with no questions easy to understand and knowledgeable. Nice. Well done. Thanks again I'll find out very soon if it's debris or water. (Likely water). I should've known that. Glad you did.
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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 1:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That certainly could be the cause. If you have a chance, let me know if that resolves the issue. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 24th, 2023 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
WILLOPUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 164,210 MILES
Car stumbles and stalls on right turns sometimes left but not often. It will happen when fuel tank is half full Sometimes just stumbles and catches up sometimes stalls but restarts easily. The idea I have is fuel tank baffles or fuel pick up but a half tank is a little excessive to be tank baffles or pump I think. Your input is greatly appreciated.
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Monday, September 25th, 2023 AT 9:30 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WILLOPUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi yeah, I got a lot of water sloshing around. I dumped the tank flushed it out (that was a chore. Glad it's only once) heated it up a little bit to evap any moisture out, a new seal on the bracket/ cover and it started ran and went for some excessive and unsafe cornering without any stumbling or stalling. That was a lot of work but it paid off well. I am not walking, and I get to drive like a madman for a few minutes. Thanks a lot.
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you got it taken care of. And yep, that can be a nightmare.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 AT 8:05 PM

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