Ford F-250 HD Engine is sputtering Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(12)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(12)

Engine is sputtering Inspection Service

How much does a Engine is sputtering Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford F-250 HD Engine is sputtering Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1997 Ford F-250 HDV8-7.5LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1997 Ford F-250 HDV8-5.8LService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1997 Ford F-250 HDV8-7.3L Turbo DieselService typeEngine is sputtering InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
Show example Ford F-250 HD Engine is sputtering Inspection prices

In almost all cases, a sputtering engine is trying to tell you that there is a deeper problem that requires immediate attention. An engine running out of gas will definitely sputter but if the gas gauge indicates full, the problem lies deeper inside the engine compartment.

An incomplete combustion in the engine will cause a sputter as can the ignition system. The fuel system, such as a blocked fuel injector may also cause the vehicle to sputter. While a sputtering engine may not seem like a major issue, it is a symptom of a bigger problem that will not self-correct and will eventually result in a much more expensive repair. The source of the sputter should be investigated and repaired as soon as possible.

How this system works:

A sputtering engine can have its root cause located in a number of different systems. Here are two of the more common ones, the exhaust and fuel system.

The exhaust system collects exhaust gases from the cylinder head via the exhaust manifold, which acts as a funnel diverting exhaust gases away from the cylinders. The gases are then released through the front pipe where they travel to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter removes the harmful elements of the gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen monoxide, converting them into inert gases.

The gases exit the catalytic converter into the muffler, which reduces the noise levels of the engine, and finally the exhaust fumes exit the vehicle at the tail pipe.

The fuel system is responsible for storing and supplying fuel to the car to drive the engine. Fuel is mixed with air, atomized and vaporized. This happens in the engine intake system. This mixture is then compressed in the engine cylinder and then ignited which produces the energy which moves the pistons.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Leak in Exhaust Manifold: A leak in the exhaust manifold, which collects exhaust gases, can cause the engine to sputter or run unevenly. This condition can also cause the Check Engine light to trigger as well as present increased engine noise and poor performance from the engine. A cracked or leaking exhaust manifold can create dangerous driving condition as the escaping hot gases can melt nearby plastic components. It can also lead to exhaust fumes making their way into the car cabin.

  • Worn Seals or Gaskets: There are a number of gaskets and seals in the exhaust system and if any of them are failing it can create a rough or sputtering engine. Gaskets and seals wear down over time and will eventually have to be replaced. Failing to do this in a timely manner can damage the exhaust manifold which is a much more expensive repair.

  • Failing Catalytic Converter: If the engine is sputtering, running rough and has a smell of rotten eggs it is probably due to a failing catalytic converter. In most cases, the Check Engine light will trigger as well. When a converter starts to fail, it isn’t able to burn off the hydrocarbons in the exhaust, and is no longer breaking down the sulfur created by the engine. This leads to the strong rotten egg smell. Eventually the car will not start at all as the catalytic converter becomes totally blocked.

  • Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensors measure how rich or lean the exhaust gases are when they leave the vehicles combustion chamber. The vehicle computer uses this information to adjust the amount of fuel entering the engine. A dirty or failing sensor puts too much or too little fuel into the engine causing it to run rough or sputter. Oxygen sensors must be replaced on a regular basis.

  • Dirty Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors spray fuel into the cylinders. It is then mixed with air and ignited. Fuel injector nozzles can become clogged over time, which can lead to a sputtering engine, slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. Fuel injectors can be cleaned if the problem is caught early, but as the conditions worsens, the injectors may have to be replaced.

  • Bad or Dirty Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber. If they are not working correctly or are dirty they don’t ignite the fuel cleanly and the car can misfire or sputter. The plugs will need to be replaced or cleaned.

  • Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air that is entering the fuel injection system. It sends that information to the vehicle computer, which then delivers the proper amount of fuel to the combustion chamber. A dirty mass airflow sensor will send the wrong information the computer resulting in a rough running or sputtering engine.

  • Vacuum Leak: A leak in the vacuum system can lead to a sputtering or rough running engine. As the problem progresses the vehicle can hesitate or stall when accelerating.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the engine is sputtering issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

A mechanic will inspect your car's exhaust system and other important components of your vehicle. This includes the exhaust manifold, exhaust seals and gaskets, oxygen sensors, airflow sensors and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up your car to diagnose your engine's sputtering.

How important is this service?

In almost all cases, a sputter engine is a symptom of a more serious issue lurking below the surface. If the problem is not diagnosed and repaired in a timely manner the vehicle will likely start to stall, become hard to start and eventually stop running altogether.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(12)

Rating Summary
10
1
0
0
1
10
1
0
0
1

Cesar

9 years of experience
292 reviews
Cesar
9 years of experience
Ford F-250 HD V8-7.5L - Battery - Monroe, Washington
Thank you

Scott

34 years of experience
548 reviews
Scott
34 years of experience
Ford F-250 HD V8-7.5L - Alternator Belt - Arvada, Colorado
On time and quick.

Miguel

21 years of experience
232 reviews
Miguel
21 years of experience
Ford F-250 HD V8-5.8L - Car is not starting - New Milford, New Jersey
I had a no start issue with my f-250. I tried all the bases, but Miguel found the problem I suspected. Well see how the repair goes. He was very kind and knowledgeable. Points you in the right direction

Chris

22 years of experience
2229 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Ford F-250 HD V8-7.3L Turbo Diesel - Car is making a noise - Costa Mesa, California
Super knowledgeable, quick, fixed my problem right on the spot!

Excellent Rating

(12)

Rating Summary
10
1
0
0
1
10
1
0
0
1
Number of Ford F-250 HD services completed
132+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Is It Dangerous to Buy a Car with Aftermarket Parts Installed?
It's It's not always possible or practical to buy or lease a new car. Sometimes, you're faced with having to purchase a used automobile. While this process may seem straightforward, searching for the right used car is a lot different...
5 Essential Things to Know About Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Many Many new (and old) vehicles have front-wheel drive (FWD). However, it helps to have a good understanding of exactly what that means before you make the decision on which car is the right one for you. Here, you’ll find...
How to Get Out of Your Old Car and Into a New Car
There are a number of reasons that someone might have to want to get out of their car loan (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-get-the-best-apr-on-a-car-loan_2). Maybe their credit score (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-get-a-car-loan-when-you-have-bad-credit) was bad when they first got the loan, but then it improved over time. Maybe...

Intake manifold cracked

Cracks in the manifold can leak air, resulting in a vacuum leak and poor engine performance. It could leak coolant as well, externally, into the cylinders, or into the oil. I would have a certified mechanic, such as one from...

Realistic cost of owning a new 2016 AMG S63 vs. a S550 (both 4matic)

As you may know, there are very few things (if any) that either of these cars do not have (assuming we are NOT including the S63 Coupe in this comparison, which is a much more extreme version of the S...

The Check Engine light blinks and the car stalls. Is this my catalytic converter?

This may be related to many different things such as a bad oxygen sensor (this monitors the activity of the catalytic converter), a bad or dirty idle air control valve, or potentially low fuel pressure. The low fuel pressure will...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com