1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Engine cuts out.

87,000 MILES • 3.1L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HAHNY1
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  • 75 POSTS
when accelerating my car is cutting out. It seems to cut out when it is under load. By that I mean up to 25 or 30 mph normal driving it seems fine. but anything over that or the more you step on the pedal, the more power the car looses. It causes jerking, the Tach jumps and if you keep it pressed the car slows. I have replaced the fuel filter, added Heat to the gas, and SeaFoam in case it was bad gas as this happened to do it on the coldest day so far (0degrees). I also changed the plugs and wires as I figured this all could cause it and needed to be done for normal upkeep. No luck. No check engine lights and not sure what fuel pressure is supposed to be. I was getting around 30psi idling.
Nov 16, 2014 at 5:56 AM
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HAHNY1
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  • 75 POSTS
I forgot to mention that it starts and idles fine. And I cleaned the Mass air flow sensor.
Nov 16, 2014 at 6:05 AM
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JOHNNYT73
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 924 POSTS
Get a can of throttle body cleaner and while the engine is running spray around for vacuum leaks. I think you should be getting closer to 35 psi for fuel pressure, so a weak fuel pump could be the cause.
Nov 16, 2014 at 6:16 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,583 POSTS
I added some info, check these guides they can be very helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Not exact match on the vehicle but give you an idea,

nice work Johnnyt73 :-)

Best, Ken

Nov 18, 2014 at 3:31 AM
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