Engine sputters when started

[SJ]

> From: "films" <films at crazyralph.com>
> Subject: Engine sputters when started
>
> The past couple weeks I've noticed that some mornings, the engine
> sputters when I start it up.  It sputters for 5-10 seconds then runs
> great.  Today it did the sputtering thing, then stalled out.  I waited a
> few seconds, tried it again and it started fine.  This problem only
> occurs when it's started and only after it's sat overnight, never any
> other time.  Any idea what might be causing this?  I was thinking of
> buying some new spark plugs and maybe a fuel filter, but figured I'd ask
> the experts first!  =)
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Tony Urban

Your problem will get worse with the colder fall weather. Then, the problem
will disappear in the winter. Then the problem will come back in the spring.
Eventually, you wont be able to start the car at all. But, all of this only
happens under certain weather conditions. Cold and humid conditions. Cold
and dry . .and the engine works fine.

At the right conditions(due point) water will condense and cause a short for
the high voltage going to the spark plugs.

Take off the distributor cap and look inside using a good light and a
magnifying glass. You will see faint carbon path(s) going from the center
electrode to one or more plug electrodes.

Under normal weather conditions, there is not enough moisture and the carbon
deposits by themselves will not cause arcing. But, with enough moisture thru
condensation, the combination of carbon and water will lower the resistance
of the carbon path to allow the spark to jump the gap.

You will find a very lengthy discussion on this topic while I was trying to
solve the problem last spring. My posts started in January, but I was only
able to solve the problem in April. The weather conditions were just right
to kill the engine so I could do some troubleshooting and pinpoint the
problem.
http://www.audifans.com/pipermail/quattro/2004-April/090402.html


SJ
85 Dodge PU, D-250, 318, auto
85 Audi 4k - - sold but still on the road
88 Audi 5kq
90 Audi 100q