Engine cut off

Tiny
RASMALAI
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
When the fuel level is 1/4 and I make turns, the fuel level needle moves near the empty mark and the engine switches off while driving. It happens only in that situation, low fuel but not empty or in reserve and while on turns or going steep down and fuel level needle moves near "red" empty mark.
Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 9:28 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Is this something that just started all of a sudden, or has this been going on for a while?

It sounds like the fuel pump is basically not getting fuel when the fuel level is low and you are taking the turn, as the fuel moves to one side due to g-force and leave the bottom of the pump not being submerged and that lead to the cutting out of the engine.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
RASMALAI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello Sean,

I bought the car used just lately. The seller told me there is something wrong with the fuel indicator. As I can observe the fuel indicator works normally. I compared the driven kilometers with the average consumption (ca 11 l/100 km) and I feel the fuel level indicator shows the right amount. Just at about 1/4 tank it moves noticeably to the left or right in turns. That's where (on right turns, when the needle moves near empty) the engine cuts off.
So, you think the problem is the fuel pump? Do I have to change it?
Regards,
Alex
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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Just to clarify, if the fuel level is higher than 1/4 tank, you don't have this issue?
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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
RASMALAI
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
If the fuel level is higher, I don't have this issue.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
The issue is likely the fuel pump, it could have a clogged strainer that when the fuel supply is low it causes the cutoffs. Another possibility could be that the fuel pump is not mounted properly or not of the correct size/style and not going down low enough to pick up fuel properly when the level is low.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 11:02 PM

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