HELP 92 sunbird unusual stalling

[brenickom]

My parents have a 92 sunbird in immaculate condition. After it runs for about half an hour, or at high speed, the car stalls. No sputtering, its like it turns off. Have checked and replaced too many things to mention. Best answer we got was that it was something in the distributer overheating and causing the engine to stall. (replaced) The car will start in neutral and park, but will stall as soon as you put it in gear. After the car sits for a while, 10-15 minutes, it will run in gear. Have taken it to GM as well as other mechanics. No one can figure this one out. 4 cyl, just turned 100,000 km. Car has been extremely well maintained and aside from this stalling problem, runs great. It started about 6-8 months ago. If anyone has any theories or suggestions, input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Racincc85]

Its sounds like the torque converter clutch isn't disengaging. GM's are known for this problem, especially the ones that were made around the time that yours was. Thats why you can start it fine in neutral or park, but when you put it in gear it's like popping the clutch in a car with a manual transmission that's idling. No slippage is able to occur in the torque converter since the two halves are locked together and the car stalls. I have never repaired a car that has had this problem, so i would either find someone who has experience with it or take it to a reputable mechanic.