I loose stereo unless I pull out one of my 1/4 in cables half way. Someone told me what causes and how to fix this but I can't remember how. Please help. As you all know I need all the help I can get 

Oh yeah, I'm talking about my POD X3 left and right outputs

with both plugged in I only get the right Channel (till I pull the other half way out)     .....just sayin

Is the left output a ring ring tip stereo cable?

no, they are both standard guitar cords

My guess is the outputs on the device are labeled "L/Mono" and "R". Is that correct?
 
If so, then the left jack has a switch in it that allows the unit to combine left and right channels into one when only the "L/Mono" jack is used. That switch will only be engaged when the plug is all the way in, so pulling it part way out opens the switch and separates L and R.
 
I don't know if the jack is defective, a cable is defective or the wrong type, or if it's just the effect you're using. I offer this only as a clue that might lead to an epiphany.
 

Thanks Dave! The signal is mono when the jack is pulled. I'm suspecting the cable at this point. Today I'll have time to narrow this down

It's not the cables. I tried to get in touch with tech support but no call back so far. I can only use mono with the POD. Not good

Tech support called and we went through elimination and found that I didn't check the cables as well as I thought I had. I needed to check both ends and all 4 cables were bad. After my Brother-In-law soldered those and a few others I had everything was back to abbynormal! Four me anywhey
 
WOW TRIPLETS! I've NEVER SEEN 3 BEFORE!!! COOL!!!

Tech support called and we went through elimination and found that I didn't check the cables as well as I thought I had. I needed to check both ends and all 4 cables were bad. After my Brother-In-law soldered those and a few others I had everything was back to abbynormal! Four me anywhey