As if in answer to his question, the engine sputtered, then caught again.

Carlos turned the key, and the engine sputtered for a second before catching.

Just as he began to apply the brakes, the engine sputtered and died.

She turned the key, never taking her eyes from him, and the engine sputtered to a halt.

In a moment the engine sputtered and the car drew away from the curb.

The first engine turned over and sputtered to life, followed quickly by the other three.

The force was such that the engine immediately sputtered and died.

The engine sputtered and for a moment Clay was sure it would die.

The engine sputtered for a moment more and died.

Before it completed the turn, the engine sputtered, and stopped.