You don’t drive a high-performance automobile to have the engine sputter and stall. Consequently, there are issues that can cause this exact problem. Ashton Automotive & Performance is going to list those issues below. You can rely on us to resolve any of the problems discussed.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
If you drive an older automobile, it’s possible that your engine is sputtering because the catalytic converter is clogged. After years of processing hydrocarbons, the converter can become overloaded with carbon deposits. This will push the exhaust back into the combustion chamber and make your engine sputter.
Clogged Air or Fuel Filter
A clogged air or fuel filter will also make your engine sputter because it directly affects the balance of the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. It’s important to have the air filter changed every 12,000 miles. In the case of the fuel filter, you should have it changed every 30,000 miles.
Other Fuel System Problems
Other fuel system problems that will make your engine sputter include clogged fuel hoses or injectors or a faulty fuel pump. For example, if your fuel pump is malfunctioning and failing to provide the engine with enough fuel, it will sputter at high speeds and when it is under stress.
Faulty Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit is your vehicle’s main computer chip. If it goes bad, your engine will sputter and eventually stall. Unfortunately, once the engine has died, you will not be able to get it restarted. The engine control unit can also cause the spark plugs to misfire or an imbalance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
One reason why the engine control unit may cause an imbalance in the combustion chamber is a faulty mass airflow sensor. This sensor tracks the air coming into the engine. If it has gone bad, it may report incorrect data to the engine control unit. Consequently, the unit may put too much air in the combustion chamber.
Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
The same thing can happen with the oxygen sensor. Also called the O2 sensor, this sensor tracks the oxygen levels in your vehicle’s exhaust. On average, you will get about 100,000 miles out of the factory-installed O2 sensor. After this time, it can go bad.
Worn Spark Plugs and/or Wires
Finally, worn spark plugs and/or plug wires will cause your high-performance engine to misfire, i.e., sputter. It used to be that you would replace the spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Today’s plugs can last one hundred thousand miles before they need to be replaced.
Call Ashton Automotive & Performance in Killeen, TX, today if your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine is sputtering all the time. We will find the problem and fix it.
