Jerks and Sputters on Start

[Ikster]

About every third start lately my 2001 PT Cruiser jerks and sputters on start up. During these episodes the tach and speedometer jump all over, so I would think it might be something electrical. The car is stock, no mods on the engine at all and has 95,000 miles. It used to do it rarely for the the last several years, but now it's getting more and more frequent. Appreciate any help.

[bobs turbo pt]

last tune up ??

[Ikster]

Good point. Probably 30 to 40k ago. I'll try new plugs tomorrow and clean the battery connections. My manual says that the a/c refridgerant has to be removed in order to change the timing belt. Is there a way around this?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Ikster

Good point. Probably 30 to 40k ago. I'll try new plugs tomorrow and clean the battery connections. My manual says that the a/c refridgerant has to be removed in order to change the timing belt. Is there a way around this?

Not sure about the A/C with the timing belt but make sure you go by the newest recommendations on gapping the plugs. Use .040in gap. Also use dielectric grease on the wires for waterproofing and good connections and Anti-seize on the threads of the plugs.

It's also recommended that you change the belt tensioner, water pump, serpentine belt and alternator belt while doing the timing belt as all those parts have been running the same amount of time as the timing belt and it's a lot easier to replace them while doing the timing belt.

[Ikster]

I put in new platinum tipped plugs, used the di-electric and cleaned that battery connections. From what I can tell from my receipts the plugs were over two years old. So far, ten cold starts and no problems. Seems like the PT is running better. Thanks for the help!

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by Ikster

Thanks for the help!

Yep, Bob's a great help. He doesn't mess around with a lot of words, just gets straight to the point.

[bobs turbo pt]

glad you got it fixed !!