Engine stalls when accelerating

2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
155,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TYMIKA1
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  • 3 POSTS
When I start my car I hear water bubbling and my car stalls when I accelerate. It will stall for about 3 minutes then the engine will catch. It repeats the stalling again until it catches completely. My check engine light never comes on and my car doesn’t overheat.
Mar 28, 2021 at 11:23 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Where approximately does it sound like the noise is coming from? Is there any smoke coming from the exhaust and what color is it?

I'm questioning if it is a head gasket related issue. Take a look through this link and see if anything in it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.

Joe
Mar 30, 2021 at 11:57 AM
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TYMIKA1
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  • 3 POSTS
The noise is coming from the dashboard. More so the drivers side and the middle of the dashboard. I also seen white smoke coming from the exhaust when I start the car.
Mar 30, 2021 at 12:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
The only thing that could bubble in the dash is the heater core. Check to make sure the coolant is full in both the reservoir and radiator. Only check when the engine is cold.

As far as the white smoke, you may see steam for a short time just from condensation evaporating in the exhaust. Does it have a strange odor to it?

Let me know.

Joe
Mar 30, 2021 at 1:55 PM
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TYMIKA1
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I haven’t smelt any odors yet. Also do you know what the stalling could be? When I start the car it will drive for about 1 minute then stalls and slows down to 10 MPH then it will catch and return to normal speed then it will repeat the stalling and slow down for about 10 minutes until it returns to normal speed.
Apr 3, 2021 at 2:50 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

There could be several things causing it. I'm trying to narrow things down with questions. Is the check engine light staying on when it is running? If it is, have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it free of charge.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If I had to guess, I have a feeling it is related to a weak or failing fuel pump, but I can't be certain. Let me know about the check engine light. If that isn't on, I am going to recommend checking fuel pressure. It really isn't too hard to do. Here is a link showing how it is done:

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

Here is one more link I need you to read through and see if anything in it helps:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Let me know.

Joe
Apr 3, 2021 at 2:08 PM
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