Sputtering after tune-up

[jhstatts]

I did a little on my FJ60 tonight... changed the distributor cap (Toyota), rotor (Toyota), air filter (K&N), and plug wires (Beck/Arnley).

Upon first firing it up, I had a lot of sputtering going on. I thought I had done something wrong, so I re-checked everything. Then I started it and let it warm up, revved the engine a bit. It eventually evened out, so I took it on a drive around the block. It seemed to drive fine.

My questions:

Was the sputtering from changing the air filter?
or...
Was I supposed to do anything special when I replaced the rotor?

The wires are in the right locations on the distributor, so I dont think that is it. I do have a loose hose leading from the smaller of the two hose points on the distributor... could this be it?

Also, I have a spark plug socket, but it doesn't fit my plugs... it came with a standard tool kit. Is there a specific way to remove the plugs with the socket I have? Was I doing something wrong?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks!

 

[lowtideride]

are you talking about the vac advance of off the dizzy cap? make sure those hoses are on good...second make sure all your plugs are tight and gaped for the 2f...sputtering prob wasnt from the air filter...
good luck...

 

[lowtideride]

oh and the socket for the plugs same thing happened to me i had to go buy a bigger one

 

[jhstatts]

Thanks. Yeah, I figured I'd need a larger spark plug socket.

Do you happen to know the sizes of the distributor vac lines offhand?

 

[jwest]

If you're talking about the two hoses that attach to the top of the distributor cap, those are fresh air vent hoses. You can take yours into the parts store and match them up, but they won't cause sputtering.

You may have crossed a wire, or not fully seated the wires on the cap or plugs.
Also recheck your vacuum lines and hoses when you changed the air filter. Could also be bad parts.

 

[jhstatts]

Well, there is no sputtering now... it was only when I first fired her up after my work and happened only when I revved the engine (lasted for about 30 seconds then cleared up).

I did re-check all my connections to the cap and plugs. It drove and sounded fine when I took a ride around the block. I am just curious as to what could have caused the hesitation on the initial start-up.

Thanks so far.

 

[jhstatts]

Oh yeah...

anyone know the spark plug socket size I should be using? Need to pick one up today.

 

[Jman]

[quote author=Statts link=board=29;threadid=17722;start=msg171766#msg171766 date=1086784970]
Well, there is no sputtering now... it was only when I first fired her up after my work and happened only when I revved the engine (lasted for about 30 seconds then cleared up).

I did re-check all my connections to the cap and plugs. It drove and sounded fine when I took a ride around the block. I am just curious as to what could have caused the hesitation on the initial start-up.

Thanks so far.
[/quote]

Did you do the fuel filter? Maybe a slight delay in getting fuel to the carb because of a dry filter?

Or maybe you got a little oil/grease on the rotor, causing you to lose spark until it eventually cleaned up?

If you didn't do PCV filter yet, I'd do that too.

And for figuring out what size plug socket, just get some new plugs and take one over to the sockets and see what fits.

 

[jhstatts]

I have not done the fuel filter or the PCV valve yet, but do have them and plan to today. Where exactly is the PCV valve? I have the Haynes manual, but it isn't very clear since I am new to this home maintenance thing.

I did bring a plug with me today for just that purpose (fitting a socket).

 

[micah36609]

when you replace the pcv valve, replace the grommett. if, and it likely is, the grommett is dry and cracked, it can cause sputtering and rough idle until warm up and if it is real bad, the roughness will continue.

 

[jhstatts]

Thanks, Micah. I do have a new grommet, too. That is probably most of my problem.

 

[Jman]

The PCV valve is on the passenger side of the engine block, back ner the firewall. Look for a metal elbow leading out of the block and up. The PCV valve is where that metal elbow is joined with a rubber hose that goes up and over the block and to the air filter/carb.

 

[jhstatts]

Cheers, JMan.