:?: My 98 Se with about 80K wants to hesitate when accelerating from a stop sign or light and turning left. It doesn't do it on a right turn from a stop. It feels almost like the engine is going to die with no throttle response for a second or two (seems like forever if traffic is coming). Any clues as to what might be happening? Thanks for the input.

There'* been some discussion about this before. Different theories about fuel tanks and oil pans. Do a search on it. Some good key words would be STALL DIES TURN PICKUP, etc. Can anyone else jump in here? I have to run for a bit!

BTW, Guff, where in N CA are you?

I am in the Real Northern Ca ie Eureka.

With 80K on the car, you might want to look at the Heated O2 sensor. It'* about this mileage that it goes. From there we go to:
Check the TP Sensor and related wiring.
Check the MAF Sensor and related wiring.
Check the EGR valve for a sticking pintle.

If these don't do it, it'* time to check the fuel system itself. You may have a pressure problem if the above items check out. Let us know what you find and I can take it further. Good Luck!

That turning left part sounds like our phantom fuel tank problem.

I had this exact problem.
I had my tranny replaced this past summer at the dealer. I basically had my @ss handed to me when the bill came but that'* besides the point.
When they replaced the transmission it was hesitating around corners after the engine warmed up. I was pretty pissed that I had to take it back but this is what they said was wrong with it on the receipt ::::::: In transmission, filter broken at inlet, replaced filter kit and topped off fluid:::::::. After I got this fixed I havent had any problems since.
Hope that helps.

What is actually bogging down? Is the engine losing power or does it feel like something is stopping the engine from gaining power?

It feels more llike the engine won't respond. Idles fine but when I hit the accelerator nothing happens for a second or two. It only happens when turning left and after I have been at the intersection for a short while. On a stop and go with no wait there is no problem and no problem just making a left turn without having to stop. Thanks for the ideas so far.

Guff

If it'* related to the fuel pump/sock/sending unit, as it appears to be in my '92, and as others have also reported, the problem only occurs when the fuel level in the tank is less than 1/2 full.
How full is your fuel tank, and does it matter how full it is when the problem occurs?

1) spark plugs, air filter, wires, fuel filter, fuel pressure.

2) throttle position sensor