# Poor engine performance

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** pontiac\
**Created:** [May 12, 2010, 1:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728 "2010-05-12T01:38:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![2008z71](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/4af34b/32.png) [@2008z71](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2008z71)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 1:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728/1 "2010-05-12T01:38:10Z")

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My daughter has a 1993 3.3 grand am. Engine stslls on cold start, will restart fine, may idel ok or stall when put into gear. lacks power from stand still, performes fine at crusing speeds, shifts fine in and out of gears, performes a little better when hot. replaced fuel pump, fuel filter, sparks, wires are fine, air filter, No SES light. HELP!!!

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**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 2:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728/2 "2010-05-12T02:30:12Z")

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This engine uses a fuel pressure regulator. It needs to be checked out because a malfunctioning regulator can starve the fuel injectors. A good mechanic can check the required pressure at the regulator to see if it’s within limits (30-40 psi). The mechanic can also check for a kinked/bent fuel line to the regulator as well.

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**Author:** ![2008z71](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/4af34b/32.png) [@2008z71](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2008z71)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728/3 "2010-05-12T19:56:57Z")

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I did that 40psi on the button. No kinked or bent fuel ines.

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**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/poor-engine-performance/48728/4 "2010-05-12T22:56:19Z")

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Check for cracked vacuum lines.