Engine sputtering and hesitates

RODRIGOVZQZ

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Car sputtering and hesitant so I changed the fuel filter, spark plugs, oil and filter along with air filter. Cleaned the MAF sensor, throttle body. After that it works a little better but still doing it. It idles perfectly steady and accelerates normal if you step on the pedal easy but if you demand any power or just try go above 4krpms starts to sputter and then jumps to 5krpms without a problem. Any input much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

3 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

I would first check the fuel pressure. You may have a weak or faulty fuel pump that is not supplying adequate fuel pressure. Here is a tutorial showing how to test fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you don't have access to a tester most local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. The fuel pressure specification for your car is to be 25-35 PSI with the engine running. Get back to us with the reading after testing and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 1:47 PM

RODRIGOVZQZ

MEMBER
14 POSTS

Sorry for delay. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator and seemed to have fixed the issue. Still have cylinder 3 misfire but that's a different story. Thanks for the help.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, May 24th, 2021 AT 9:42 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

You're welcome!

I've attached picture step flow charts below to help with P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. Hope this helps and let us know what you find. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

Images (Click to make bigger)