Ratherbe... just to put you in the picture more - the type I was flying was a c152, temp was about 32 celsius. Engine didn't complain at all on finals, but I had it idle for some time on approach. I'd had carb heat hot immediately prior to making my base turn and stayed that way until established on finals @ 60KTS with a nose down attitude pointing at the numbers. I used power very sparingly on approach but it was once I used full power after touchdown that I got the quick splutter. Maybe you're right about the ice, I shall discuss with my FI before my next lesson.
stickandrudderman... in fairness to the FI, the chap who helped me shut down (CPL), turned it back on again afterwards to see how the engine sounded, and he was happy there was no worrying sounds. I mentioned this to the FI afterwards which was probably why he was happy to send me up without further inspection. Of course, I wouldn't know if that's wrong or right but I do get the impression he's anything but maverick. Of course I take your advice on board (as well as Ratherbe's) and will ask him about it next time. I will never ignore advice from someone more experienced than myself because I know how inexperienced I am.
Thank you everyone so far all for your advice and the words of encouragement. It does help!
Whirlybird, I sure can be a prat... call me anal or a worry-wart, I just hate getting things wrong - but frequently do! Maybe that's no different from any other stude.
BTW... I probably didn't word a particular sentence too well in my original post.
I wrote [FI]
"...explained to me the engine can gum up a little if it is idle for a while on finals". This should have read that he said something to the effect of ... if the engine has been idle on approach, once you are back on the ground and reapplying power after being at idle for some time, the engine can gum up, hence the momentary splutter.
I see why some have read it as if I had some problems with the engine on finals (my bad!!!) but it was only AFTER I was back on the ground and applying full power that I heard something odd.
Any more advice is appreciated. Thanks
And point taken, I WILL be more reliant on my checklist after something like that happens again.