Sputtering and shaking that occurs after a vehicle is turned off is known as
dieseling, or more commonly as
engine run-on. The engine isn't really
running as normal, but the fuel remains ignited without the assistance of a spark. Diesel engines operate without a spark, hence the term
dieseling.
An engine can continue to gasp and quake for several seconds before finally stopping. Engine run-on is a perplexing problem for many vehicle owners, but it doesn't always take a professional mechanic to diagnose and
repair this type of problem. In many cases, a simple adjustment is all that's needed.
Octane
In most instances, regular octane gasoline is sufficient, but if higher octane
gas is recommend for your vehicle, or if it isn't
running well on lower octane varieties, try a higher octane grade of gasoline. Generally, if you have a stock engine, higher-octane
gas isn't necessary, but if your engine has been modified it could solve the problem. You'll have to dig a little deeper into your wallet, but if it solves the problem, it's worth the expenditure. Upgrading to higher-octane
gas is an
easy solution for a confounding problem.
Idle Speed
If the carburetor is out of adjustment, the idle speed might be set too high. This is one of the primary causes of engine run-on. You'll need a tachometer to check the speed at which the vehicle idles. If you find it's too high, you'll also need to check the throttle linkage to find out if it's sticking before making any adjustments.
Check the throttle linkage by compressing it while the engine is running. If the idle speed drops while pressing on the linkage, it's probably sticking. Correct the problem by spraying and
cleaning the linkage with solvent, and make any necessary adjustments to the idle speed.
If the linkage continues to stick after cleaning, it will require a
new throttle return spring. Buy a universal replacement spring, and bend the ends to form hooks. Attach one end to the throttle linkage, and hook the other into the bracket. If the spring is too loose, trim the ends to the proper length, and bend them again. There should be a slight amount of tension when the spring is attached.
This is what I pulled up for you. I think timing also effects it. Later-