Engine sputtering

Tiny
TULPA
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCURY COUGAR
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
The engine sputters while idling and accelerating, seems to do it a lot when going up hill. Perhaps just some new plugs and wires? What else should I look at/replace? Or do a tune up?
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 10:20 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
I would check the condition of the plugs. Check the resistance on the plug wires. Have the computer scanned for codes. Check the fuel pressure under load. When was the last time you ran some fuel system conditioner/cleaner though it?
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
TULPA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Never, my son just bought this car yesterday for $1,000.00, it does have an oil leak most likely needs a new valve cover gasket. Could that be causing the sputter? I am not trained in any way, when you say check the pressure I am assuming there is some sort of tool to use?
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Auto parts rent the gauge and you hook it to the fuel rail to check pressure.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
TULPA
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  • 53 POSTS
Great! Thank you for linking the guide.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
TULPA
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I have not had time to check the pressure yet but while I was cleaning up the engine bay with some towels I notice a short hose (not sure what it goes to) is not all the way on and I could hear air coming from it while the engine was running. It is near the top only about an inch and a half long. Could it be related. Hear is a picture. I do not know if you can tell what it is. It is right at the end of that spring.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
It is probably a vacuum leak. Replace the hose or reconnect it and the sputtering should go away.
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Friday, July 29th, 2016 AT 3:17 PM

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