When this is less than what is needed in order for the motor to fire or in some cases higher than normal, you may notice an erratic fluctuation in engine RPMs, hard starting or a lack of power when accelerating as the engine may be starved for fuel if
insufficient fuel pressure exists in the fuel system.
Regarding your suggestion about
insufficient fuel pressure, the way I read the question the sputtering is not happening at stable idle, but sudden load reduction.
Not exact matches
I would check the main
fuel line going to the
fuel rail, you may have
pressure but may have
insufficient volume.
If the
fuel pressure is reduced by a weak pump or clogged filter, shouldn't problems arise under hard load when
fuel pressure provided becomes
insufficient for the airflow, rather than idle?