99 Rolla LE - Sputter sound under load

[Rolla Girl]

I've got a 99 Corolla LE that has been plagued with a sputtering noise. When I first got the car, she would sputter briefly after driving through a puddle. Repeated visits to the dealer got me nowhere - They couldn't hear it. Now she does it almost all the time, especially on hills. Dealer still can't hear it? All my passengers mention how loud my car is, though! I'm pulling my hair out!
Doing anything to take some load off helps. Changed spark plugs, and it helped, but nothing cures it. No stalling problems, and no problems starting. I can drive the short 3 miles to and from work with no problems, but beyond that she starts up with the noise. I've learned to accelerate really lightly to try to avoid it. No noise at idle.
Any ideas?
Thanks!

[94_Rolla_Guy]

im looking at your posts showing various complaints and problems it probably all comes back to the same problem or two. my advice:

1. Next time your in for oil or service ask them to test the gas cap, if its bad replace it
2. Check through your service receipts keeping an eye out for
-fuel filter
-spark plugs
-throttle body service or cleaning
these items can contribute to such problems
3. Make sure check engine lights are brought to your mechanics attention

Try some fuel system cleaner (kind you dump in the tank) from the local parts store sometimes that helps

as you do things and get opinions come back here and post what people are suggesting and get some input from us, i know the 93-97's best but there are other people that would be happy to help out!

[2001CorollaS]

Mine EXACT same thing. Have somebody check your exhaust for leaks, seems to be a common problem. It should be before the cat converter.

Mine started as a gurgling type noise anytime I hit a puddle that sounded horrible but cleared fast. Then it startyed making noise on tight turns, or heavy acceleration. Then it was all the time obvious and easy to find and fix exhaust leak.

[Chinsan]

I have the same problem with my 99 Corolla. I had a mufler shop check it they told me I have no leaks but a friend recently told me to change the exhaust gasket right after the header aparently they have a habit of breaking down. I'll probably try to change it this weekend if I get the time. I hate the fact that my car sounds like a piece of junk. It was especially bad this morning as the roads were wet everytime i hit a puddle it got worse.

[Rolla Girl]

Thanks for the feedback!

Sounds like you guys are having very similar problems! The exhaust was one of the first things I had checked out, and like you, they said there were no leaks. It was driving me crazy that I could HEAR there was something wrong and the mechanics were telling me it was fine!!!
I'm definitely going to check out that gasket. Is it hard to change? I'll have husband and dad to help, but don't want to tackle anything too big. I mean, I can change oil and spark plugs but have never undertaken a real repair!

As far as my other issues... Spark plugs have been changed. It helped, but didn't fix problem. Changed air filter, cleaned under the hood, got the fuel injection system cleaned, even applied belt dressing because it was almost "stuttering". Everything helped, but nothing fixed. It's the weirdest thing. I swear even the littlest things...I can just get a car wash...seem to minimize the sputtering, but it never goes away. It's definitely been making me feel like I'm going crazy!

I haven't specifically cleaned the throttle or changed fuel filter. I'll have to check those out. Was also thinking about cleaning the mass flow sensor and getting a new gas cap. I have to tell you, with 90K+ miles, she really runs great. She just SOUNDS like crap!

Thanks! Keep the feedback coming if there's anything else I should know!

[Chinsan]

The Fuel Filter is in the tank with the pump and doesn't need to be changed. I cleaned my throttle body with no change in the sound. funny it sounds perfect when reved in nuetral.

[tank1080]

More then likey it is the "donut" gasket (the one right after the manifold) cause mine had a leaky muffler noise(only when a load was applied) and after my mechanic replaced it it stopped. beware tho, my mechanic had to lift the rear of my engine to remove the old gasket and to place the new one in, it might be different on different models

[cheesep]

I agree with Tank1080. It's the exhaust donut on the exhaust manifold at the back of the engine. I had same sputtering symptoms after going through puddles and it progressively got worse. I replaced it last year (minor pain) and everything's fine now.

[2001CorollaS]

Originally Posted by tank1080

More then likey it is the "donut" gasket (the one right after the manifold) cause mine had a leaky muffler noise(only when a load was applied) and after my mechanic replaced it it stopped. beware tho, my mechanic had to lift the rear of my engine to remove the old gasket and to place the new one in, it might be different on different models

Thanks, I forgot the name of it, I just remember it was a simple part, and one that is VERY EASY for some to overlook. I just remembered it was before the converter.