Had not started my jalopi for 4 days - decided to start it today and it was sputtering - I let it idle on its own for a while and it kept sputtering - I then starting revving it some while parked and it kept sputtering but after continuing to rev it it eventually started idling smoothly although I didn't drive it and just let it idle for about 5-minutes once it started idling smoothly.
Anyone know what may have been behind the engine sputtering like that (I haven't driven it yet, will probably drive it tomorrow).
Comments
last commenttry some dry gas sounds like you might have some condensation forming in your fuel lines, its common here at this time of the year, best way to prevent it is keep your gas tank full
Log in to vote
The gas tank was pretty-full - it had rained hard earlier today at my crib so IDK if this had any effect
Log in to vote
How old is it? Carburetor? Single point or multi-point fuel injection?
Log in to vote
Could be bad gas that happens also at the older stations, shuddering and sputtering, still it sounds like moisture in a gas line or fuel pump.
Log in to vote
A car shouldn't do that.4 days isn't long at all.
Log in to vote
Ive had a car sit for 2 months with no problem
Log in to vote
I've left my high performance vehicle in airport parking for 2+ weeks and it purrs like a kitten when I get back. ;)
Log in to vote
^ the higher octane fights against condensation and has additives If you’re using premium gas 93 or better
Log in to vote
It's a 2015 Nissan with 50k miles and sequential fuel injection
Log in to vote
I put 93 Octane at either Chevron or Mobile - hadn't had this issue b/f - back in October I had left my car at my bro's house for 10-days and it was fine - supposedly my bro started it once or twice during that time
Log in to vote
Agree with moisture in the fuel theory.
Log in to vote
Gasoline left in carb or fuel injection jets can turn into varnish. They make cleaners you just pour into the gas tank. Possible could need more extensive cleaning. Injectors which don't close, they cause vapor locking.
Carbureted or fuel injected? What kind of fuel injection, how old? Some kinds of fuel injection had serious vapor locking problem, if jet seals don't close right. Newer kinds usually not like this.
Look for water or oil loss. And always look for ATF getting into the water too.
How old spark plugs, miles?
Either check spark plugs or just buy new ones. But always check old ones for problems. Spark plug checks are an important diagnostic.
championautoparts.com
Usually if a car sits, all that happens is the battery goes dead.
But what you are describing sounds like vapor locking, or water or oil getting into combustion chambers, or just thrashed spark plug electrodes.
How many miles on car, on spark plugs, on ignition parts, water or oil loss, fuel injected or carburetor?
Oh, I see now, 2015 Nissan, sequential fuel injection. Those very unlikely to vapor lock, as injectors just go straight up to fuel header.
Has low pressure shut off valve to stop fuel from getting out of header when not running. But that could fail.
Probably problem can be found by watching for oil or water loss, and by looking at spark plugs. 50k miles is not a lot, but things do fail. Ways for oil or water to be getting in. This will show if you check spark plugs.
Fuel injector cleaner in tank might help injectors close better. Another good first thing to try.
Any other incidents like this?
Remember, fuel injected like that, they circulate the fuel, up to the header, then back into the tank. Pump has great surplus capacity when running at low power.
SJG
Log in to vote
Here in CA they do vacuum check the fuel system and the tank cap, for the semi-annual smog check. Could be cap failing, but there are other parts of fuel vapor control system which could have failed and allowed moisture in.
SJG
Log in to vote
Moisture or maybe a bad coil pack
Log in to vote
I agree with the moisture theory, perhaps related to the heavy rain you mentioned. A four day break shouldn’t cause any problems. I have a sports car I rarely drive more than once or twice a month. It always cranks right up and idles smoothly.
Log in to vote
I am an engineer by degree, although not a very good one, and I also agree that it sounds mostly like moisture or condensation. Could have been the rain, could also be at the gas station. Dry gas or more good gas should solve the problem.
Log in to vote
Where’s Click and Clack when you need them?
Log in to vote
Papi,
Come on man! 2 Sentences for a car problem? Should have been a page or two! :)
Log in to vote
Possibly water in/on the coil assembly as well. Could have caused intermittent shorting until the car warmed up enough to evaporate the water.
Log in to vote
Thanks for the feedback - hopefully it'll drive alright tomorrow - I'll report back.
Log in to vote
Have you tried having a mechanic look at it?
Log in to vote
4 days really isn't a long time.
Log in to vote
Seafoam
Log in to vote
Sounds like water condensation in the fuel line. Go to Napa/auto store and get some product to help clean it out, and if it doesn’t work out on its own, next step is mechanic. This happens in older vehicles usually, but Florida has more rain/water around.
Log in to vote
^
Meat, you could always send him some dry Arizona air. :D
Log in to vote
some people would say Time for a new car.
Log in to vote
A 2015 is a jalopi?
Log in to vote
^ No it's a Papilopy
Log in to vote
LOL
It's a jalopy if it's an Infiniti.
Log in to vote
The Papi-mobil was back to normal today - IDK if it was rhe heavy rains yesterday or the 4-day R&R, or a combo of both (or something else)
Log in to vote