Common Causes of Constant Engine Sputtering

Call Mark’s Auto Service right away if your car’s engine has started to sputter all the time. We will set up a service appointment for you so we can inspect the engine to find out what is wrong. Once we have determined the problem, we will give you a detailed estimate for the repairs and await your approval. Once you give us the a-okay, we will fix the engine. Here are common causes of engine sputtering.

Clogged Catalytic Converter

If your vehicle has 10 years under its belt, it’s possible that the catalytic converter is clogged with sulfur and carbon deposits. The average lifespan of the converter is 10 years. Consequently, when the converter gets clogged, it causes the engine to sputter because exhaust backs up into the combustion chamber.

Engine Vacuum Leak

Another thing that will make your engine sputter all the time is a vacuum leak in the engine. When this happens, the leaking vacuum hose fills the engine with excess air. This air dilutes the fuel in the combustion chamber and causes performance problems such as sputtering and stalling.

Fuel-Delivery Problem

Your engine may also be sputtering all the time because you have a fuel delivery problem. The things that can cause an issue with the fuel making its way into the combustion chamber include clogged fuel injectors, a clogged fuel filter, and a malfunctioning fuel pump. A fuel-starved engine will sputter.

Malfunctioning MAF Sensor

If the mass airflow sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it may convince the engine control module that the combustion chamber needs more air when it actually doesn’t. When this happens, this lean fuel mixture causes the engine to sputter. In severe cases, your engine will also stall.

Malfunctioning O2 Sensor

The same is true with the oxygen sensor. It, too, can malfunction and send incorrect data to the engine control module. Any time the module adds excess air to the combustion chamber, your vehicle’s performance is going to suffer. In this case, the engine is going to sputter.

Misfiring Spark Plugs

Finally, it’s also possible that the spark plugs are worn and misfiring. When this happens, your engine will sputter and stall. If you drive a classic automobile, the plugs need to be changed every 30,000 miles. The plugs will last 100,000 miles in newer automobiles.Call Mark’s Auto Service in Loves Park, IL, and Loves Park, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Rockford, IL, today, again, to set up a service appointment for your vehicle if the engine is sputtering all the time.