Sputtering, jerking while driving

[Britstiva]

I'm a mid-level mechanic when it comes to diagnosing things... but before I go spending money on various parts, I thought I'd run my situation by you guys for input.

I have a '95 Aspire. Body has about 245K. Motor was swapped for a low mileage one and now has approximately 55K on it.

A tune up was performed when the motor was swapped. It only had 22k on it when I got it.

The car has had a new fuel pump and filter installed during that time too.

So here's the new deal... it's sputtering. I started last night and did it a few times. But today it did it the whole time on my way to work.

It sputters more when going up hill, none going downhill while pushing the gas. It reminds me of bad gas. I was at a 1/4 tank when I refilled the tank today with 93 (just in case).

That seems to have quitened it down some, but it's still doing it.

I'm thinking spark plugs, wires and new cap. The air filter is clean. I wouldn't think the fuel filter would be clogged yet.

I'm betting it's a spark issue. BUT before I go spending money, give me your ideas.....

[MONSOON]

Well a tune up certianly wouldnt hurt and you wouldnt be spending alot of money for that. Id run a can of Seafoam thru the tank, if you got some bad gas itll certianly help.

[Britstiva]

I just find a bit odd that I'd need a tune after appx 30K miles... I plan on working on it as soon as I get paid. LOL I don't know how I feel about using seafoam... I'd probably use it as my very last resort.

[eurotiva]

30k is alot of miles on a festiva/aspire without a tuneup. Unless you put copper cap/rotor, and platinum plugs.

[Team Lightning]

I got 99K miles out of the factory cap on my 90. Was still getting in the high 40 mpg's

[Britstiva]

I just read the shop manual on it and it even suggests new plugs at 30K. So I plan on going forward with the tune up.

[GenevaDirt]

Seafoam will not hurt a thing running through your tank.....is an awesome product. I use about half a can to a tank .....I usually do that when I get a new Festy. I have never tried sucking it into a vacuum hose.....but if I thought I needed to I would not hesitate. There have been plenty on here that have and anyone I have ever talked to about the product has nothing but good things to say about it.

[FestYboy]

had new plugs in Scrappy for less than 30k and #3 was gone! replaced, and all is good.

[Britstiva]

This is kind of odd... but I thought I'd mention it. When I fill up the gas tank, it doesn't sputter.

So, I added some gas treatment (just in case I had gotten some water at a pump). It sputtered just a few light times since then.

I just topped off the tank again. So I'm going to see how it goes. I did buy plug wires tonight, but I'm holding off on adding them until I run this tank out.

[mattswabb]

Cap and rotor.

[firsttry]

I was going to sugest a .99 cent can of gas treatment. Thats where I always start. Just my .02 cents

[Britstiva]

I was going to sugest a .99 cent can of gas treatment. Thats where I always start. Just my .02 cents

That's actually where I'm starting. I have never had an ignition issue at 30K miles since a tune-up. It's possible. But I'm very doubtful.

I'll keep posting until I resolve the issue and noting what I do as it goes along.

[mattswabb]

I have never had an ignition issue at 30K miles since a tune-up. It's possible. But I'm very doubtful.

I've never had a festiva even come close to 30K without having to change the cap and rotor. Pop off the cap and look inside. I bet it's corroded.

[Pu241]

Listen to Matt!
Costs nothing to pop the cap and check the cap and rotor contacts.
I do it every oil change and clean the contacts with a few passes of a small wire brush.

Note: Its cheaper and more effective to use Seafoam (isopropanol and petroleum distillates) or "Heat" (methanol) to clearup "bad" (water) gas than to use premium fuel.

Additionally you might want to read this:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25925

[Festiva Time]

Air Filter? I'd do the the Plugs 1st. Use only Platinum type. Check the coil wire Sparkplug wires.