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Engine randomly stalls

Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 SATURN L200
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Cleaned TBI.
Cleaned MAF.
Just did Tune-up without injectors.
Mechanic said I had misfiring in 3 cylinders.
Never replaced fuel pump or filter.

What are my options?
Thursday, June 4th, 2020 AT 7:27 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
What cylinders are misfiring? Is there any coolant usage? Any smoke from the exhaust?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 4th, 2020 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Coolant has no usage. Absolutely no smoke and cylinder compression is good. Oil is changed at 3,000 and that is religious. Before the tune-up it was 3 cylinders and it was 3 and two others and I do not have them. Plugs and coils were installed. The stalling is quite random. It can happen at idle and at 70 MPH. I run at about 2,400 rpm's at 70 and it started missing (first time that ever happened). When I turn the key to start position I can hear the fuel pump activating. I have not done a fuel pressure check.
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Thursday, June 4th, 2020 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Just to add I would absolutely perform a fuel pressure test.You can do it yourself.If you don't have access to a tester most of your local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved to test fuel pressure:

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

It is possible your fuel pump is weak or defective and not supplying enough fuel to the engine thereby cause a misfire and or stall condition. I've attached the fuel system specifications for your car below.Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 5:45 AM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Where is fuel pressure regulator located on my 2000 Saturn LS2?
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

It is located next to the fuel rail assembly on the top of the engine. I've attached a picture below of its description and location. The regulator I circled in red. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks. That does not look like the fuel pressure reg. That I remember for decades ago.
Thanks
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Yep, that's it. I've attached the same picture below and circled in red the schrader valve location where you attach a tester and test the fuel pressure. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Explain to me what is in it for you guys to manage and run this site. What is in it for you? Your replies are timely, accurate and detailed enough for a guy like me. Good drawings etc.
I run a blog about beer and this is hard work and time consuming. Why?
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

I will refer you to the admins. I don't know what I'm allowed to answer. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Friday, June 5th, 2020 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Danny,

It looks like there is a ring clamp going around the Fuel Pressure regulator. I thought there was a large tube like a fuel line coming off the regulator. I have always understood that if you you see wet fuel at the hose it meant the pressure regulator was bad. But I do not see a large enough rubber tube. I assume when you pull off the ring clamp the regulator will come out.
Thanks, Steve
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello Steve,

Yes, the regulator is held in place with a snap ring. You will need a pair of snap ring pliers to remove. After snap ring is removed you can pull out by hand. Be careful not to damage o-rings when installing to prevent leaks. I've attached a picture below from O'Reillys auto and they go for $60.00. Were you ever able to get a fuel pressure reading?Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I am working on that issue now. I went to AutoZone and they have a loaner gauge as you thought and I will pick it up Monday morning and do the test. I downloaded the instructions. I think the Fuel Pressure Reg. Will drop/come out the bottom of the housing, right? I cannot get to the vacuum tube, it is in a very tight space, don't want to use pliers. I am also replacing the fuel filter which may or may not help but won't hurt. What a mess, trying to save a buck, you know the drill.
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello Steve.

You will have to use special quick coupler disconnect pliers to release the fuel lines from the fuel filter. They are available at all auto parts stores as well. I've attached the fuel filter location below. Keep me updated. And yes, I know the feeling of one step forward five steps back. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I took a snap shot of the Fuel pressure Reg. https://share.getcloudapp.com/OAuBEl5e
Notice: the Snap Ring isn't a normal snap ring but appears to be a Star bolt. Also the other arrow points to the vacuum hose (right) and that is the one that is in a tight space. Also if you can see it a tube fits into the rubber part and it is very small OD maybe is 1/8th inch. So it fits up into the casing.
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
STEVE LAY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
(right) was supposed to have a "?" After it. Not Right as in right side.
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello Steve.

Yes, your picture provides more clarity than the one I did. Your regulator is held in place by a compression clamp. The socket you need for that is called an E-TORX. You can get those at any local auto parts, hardware, or home improvement store.I'm pretty sure you will have better ability to remove the vacuum line once you remove the regulator from the housing. Picture below. Keep me updated. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Saturday, June 6th, 2020 AT 5:44 PM

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