Few car problems are as alarming as a sputtering engine. “Did I forget to fuel the car?” will likely be the first thing that comes to your mind when the problem occurs. This line of thinking isn’t misconceived; sputtering is often a sign that a car is about to run out of gas. However, if it occurs even when you have plenty of fuel, you need to look elsewhere for the genesis of the problem. Here are some other common causes of engine sputter.
Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the compressed fuel-air mix in combustion chambers to create the explosions that power your engine. If they malfunction due to age, dirt, damage, or other reasons, engine sputter results. If the plugs are in a particularly bad state, your engine will stall.
Clogged Fuel Filter
As the name implies, fuel filters sieve out dirt and other gunk to protect your engine. However, these filters can get clogged over time, constraining the amount of fuel flowing to your engine and causing sputters.
Leaking Exhaust Manifold
An exhaust manifold funnels exhaust gases from multiple cylinders to the exhaust pipe. If it develops a leak, your car engine will sputter and overheat. A telltale sign of a leaking exhaust manifold is a hissing or tapping sound.
Blocked Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors funnel gas into combustion chambers in the form of a fine mist. The process generates carbon as a byproduct, which builds up and clogs fuel injectors over time. This blockage eventually causes injectors to malfunction and is at the root of many an engine sputter.
Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter sits between the engine and the tailpipe and transforms the noxious exhaust gases that your car produces into carbon dioxide and water. A faulty converter will not only cause your engine to sputter but also overheat.
Defective Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is part of a broader set of components that work together to determine the composition of the fuel-air mix in the combustion chamber. The sensor lets the engine control unit (ECU) know when the mix has too much fuel or oxygen. If it’s defective, the mix may end up having too much of one or the other and cause your engine to sputter.
Closing Thoughts
Malfunctioning mass airflow sensors, which monitor the amount of air in your engine, worn or damaged gaskets and seals, and leaky intake manifolds are other common causes of engine sputter. Solutions depend on the nature and extent of the problem. It is always advisable to see a professional if your vehicle has an issue. Not only will a professional be able to locate the cause of the problem much faster, but they will also be able to show you the best way to solve it. All the best!
