1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

stumbling during turns at slow speed?

Old 08-12-2004, 12:06 PM
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Default stumbling during turns at slow speed?

For a while now I've noticed that my '92 SSE */c kinda stumbles when I'm pulling into my driveway, for example, when the car is only moving at a few MPH and I'm making a turn. It'* never stalled, but it vibrates and feels like it'* just above the stall threshold. The SES light never turns on, and there are no stored error codes.

This car has had a rough idle (but with steady RPMs) since I bought it in '99, and it has the fuel tank problem that causes bogging/stumbling when making sharp right turns and accelerating when the fuel tank is 1/4 full or less. But I never let it get below 1/2 tank anymore because of that.

I'm wondering if maybe the stumbling during slow turns at low speeds is an indication of a weak fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump. These parts might be the originals, but I'm not sure.

Have any of you encountered this stumbling problem?
Old 08-12-2004, 01:58 PM
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Is it possible this is also a function of the misplaced fuel strainer that affects the 92s?
Old 08-12-2004, 08:13 PM
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I think you are referring to the shuddering you get because of the extra strain the power steering pump puts on the engine. I get that all the time, doesn't bother me.
Old 08-12-2004, 09:10 PM
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Actually, the fantabulous gearhead is on to the problem. 92'* have a slightly different setup in the tank with regards to the strainer (and tank baffles if I recall). They fixed the problem in 93. YOU can fix it by buying an updated strainer/pickup assembly and installing it in the tank.

The ultimate solution would be to go to the wrecker and get the complete tank/sender/pump setup from a 93-95 and swap it in.
Old 08-13-2004, 09:42 AM
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Is it possible that the fuel strainer is also causing the rough idle?
Old 08-13-2004, 01:13 PM
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I would guess not - You don't need much fuel to idle.
Old 08-13-2004, 06:49 PM
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how do you have a rough idle and no change in rpms?

if the motor is being starved of fuel, it will definately run at a lower RPM while it is looking for fuel.

???
Old 08-13-2004, 07:52 PM
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A rough idle can be caused by many factors, including ignition. The PCM will deliver more fuel to try to keep the rpms at the requested level by the PCM, but the 'dropped' cylinder will make it feel rough.

Sometimes a broken motor mount can feel like a rough idle.
Old 08-14-2004, 02:17 AM
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how do you have a rough idle and no change in rpms?

if the motor is being starved of fuel, it will definately run at a lower RPM while it is looking for fuel.
I also get a rough idle but no change in rpms. I also noticed if i have one of the power windows rolled up, and i continue to hold down the switch for that window, the idle will get "rougher". Also, sometimes i hear this noise that sounds like budweiser can with a few quarters in it spinng around (but at a depper pitch), abd if i lift my hood i can see the "idle tensioner pulley" sort of shakes in sync with the noise. i hope my 'ville doesnt die. my dads 88 and my brothers for sho both broke down on the same day and if my car broke down id be super sol.
Old 08-14-2004, 05:08 PM
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It'* possible your tensioner is going bad. You may want to take the belt off and rotate the pulley by hand. While you are doing that, rotate all of the other pulleys to see if you can find the one that'* making noise or ceasing up.

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