Engine sputtering

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?

Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 10:20 AM

6 Replies

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

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

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 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

TULPA

MEMBER
53 POSTS

Great! Thank you for linking the guide.

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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 12:16 PM

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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