strong odor of gas and other problems

[theboss88]

hey I just bought a 95 gs-t
its has alot of miles but runs great and there isnt a dent on the body
but i noticed there is a strong odor of gas and that the car idles really rough and that the car seems kinda slugish.
I went from a 96 bmw 328is to the eclipse so idk

 

[chico904]

Welcome to the site. Read through all of the FAQ's and use the search button as many questions you might have were probably answered before. As for your question, perform a "boost leak test" Do a search on here for how to do one. Here is what you will need. IC Pipe Tester I would also do a check on all mainteneance things such as plugs, wires, 02 sensors, fuel filter, air filter...etc

 

[theboss88]

thanks you guys are quick
it has a whole new intake system
the stock exhaust has 209k on it and rattles
i have a 3" in catback to put on it
you think the exhaust could be making my car seem sluggish

 

[knochgoon24]

Not at all. A full 3" system on my car helped it spool up even faster. I'm at 15psi by 2400RPM. While just a cat-back won't help as much as a full 3", the difference will probably be noticeable.

 

[chico904]

Your exhaust can possibly be making your car feel sluggish, due to the size of the piping, as well as a possibly clogged catalytic converter. Putting on that exhaust will for sure give you a much better flow, quicker spool-up time, as well as a noticeable increase in power.

 

[theboss88]

hey thanks
the intake is like new
i also noticed alot of oil on the engine
but i can see the valve cover gasket is like falling apart
the car still has the stock exhaust which the car has 209k on it
i have a 3" catback to put on so do you think the exhaust could be making the car sluggish

 

[theboss88]

the car idles very rough and seems like it takes a while to rev up while driving it
could it need new spark plugs im gonna take them out and look at them

 

[chico904]

Yes it could possibly need new spark plugs, if they look old just replace them as they are under $2 per plug. You want BPR6es gapped to .028. Do not let the counter person sell you any type of platinum plugs as turbo dsm's do not seem to like them. The hard idle issues though could be a number of problems. After performing a boost leak test, I will almost gaurantee you that you will find some. Also check to make sure that the MAF is plugged in to the new intake you have. ( the square black object located between the filter and the intake, check the connector on the back and make sure its plugged in) While you are there also check to see that your BOV is recirculating by means of some type of tube coming from the BOV going to that intake.

 

[chico904]

Also , when you get a chance fill out your vehicle profile so we can help diagnose future and current problems.

 

[chico904]

i also noticed alot of oil on the engine
but i can see the valve cover gasket is like falling apart

Make sure that there is a hose, or better yet a hose with a catch can or filter attached to it that runs from the left side of your valve cover down to the intake. And if your valve cover gasket is leaking, a new one is only about $20

 

[nongthep]

remember check ISC.
DmTaLoN's Idle Speed Control Test/Fix Page!

 

[4glaser63t]

i had a 3in catback on my talon and it made it fell slugishi went ot the exshaust shop today and it felt alot better and a little more with 2 1/2 in as for the idle try idle speed control

 

[theboss88]

yea the car idles at like 100 rpms its no where near a thousand
and i think i got a good oil leak cause everytime i start the car the belts squeel like crazy for a lil bit and i noticed there is a oil dot underneath the car
where are common places for these to leak from
can the valve cover gasket be causeing all of this?

 

[sparco431]

yea man i was just like you when i first bought mine. the number 1 rule with dsms (turbo) always do a booost leak test before you do anything. most likely you have a boost leak because of the idling and the smell of gas. The reason for the smell of gas is because your engines putting more gas in and less air to the turbo because of the leak so it thinks it needs more gas. but thats not the case because your leaking air from somewhere. so get that taken care of.

 

[chico904]

i had a 3in catback on my talon and it made it fell slugishi went ot the exshaust shop today and it felt alot better and a little more with 2 1/2 in as for the idle try idle speed control

I doubt this.

 

[chico904]

yea the car idles at like 100 rpms its no where near a thousand
and i think i got a good oil leak cause everytime i start the car the belts squeel like crazy for a lil bit and i noticed there is a oil dot underneath the car
where are common places for these to leak from
can the valve cover gasket be causeing all of this?

The belts squeeling could be either, a worn out belt, or a belt that simply needs tightened. Trace down where the oil is leaking underneath the car. It could be something simple like the oil filter not tightened enough.

 

[theboss88]

ok the po said he believes the oil filter housing is leaking
but there is noticable oil in the belt area.
and the car runs great in first or second but when i hit about 3k in 3rd or 4th the car shakes and bucks a lil

 

[theboss88]

And the car is now idleing at around 800rpms what is normal?

 

[Calan]

Wait a minute...forget about a new exhaust. Your car has 209k on it and idles at 100rpm?

You need to do some major maintenance work before even thinking about a new exhaust or any other upgrades. Replace your belts, vac hoses, water hoses, air filter, PCV valve, etc. Check the plugs and plug wires. It's also probably time for a new knock sensor and O2 sensor as well. Get a manual and check the TPS and ISC, and replace whatever gaskets you can get to that are leaking. Flush and replace your coolant and check the thermostat. As mentioned, build a boost leak tester and do a BLT....expect to spend some time tracking down and fixing all the little boost leaks. Check your timing and get the BISS adjusted properly.

Just fix the stock exhaust for now (new hangers and gaskets...it's cheap), get everything back in good working order, and then worry about which mods to do to start to improve the performance. Otherwise, you're going to be posting here every couple of days with a new problem.

 

[theboss88]

ok the car idles normal
its only leaking oil from around the oil filter and maybe the valve cover
the exhaust is shot(hell of alot of drone) i have a 3in to put on it
the motor was rebuild
the plugs are good
coolant is good
trans has like 3000 miles on it
no rust anywhere on the car
the only other thing i noticed is that in 3rd or 4th gear the car kinda bucks and shakes when i get about 3500rpm

 

[Calan]

Did you boost leak test it or do any of the other maintenance items mentioned?

 

[theboss88]

I just bought the car
and how do you do the boost leak test?
all the hoses seem fine
there is a brand new intake and air filter on the car
there is no check engine light so the o2 and knock sensor should be good right?

 

[theboss88]

the car is quick in 1st and 2nd, but 3rd or higher it seems like once i hit 3500rpms the car doesnt want to rev and higher
but i also put some 89 octane gas in it can this be why

 

[chico904]

the car is quick in 1st and 2nd, but 3rd or higher it seems like once i hit 3500rpms the car doesnt want to rev and higher
but i also put some 89 octane gas in it can this be why

NEVER put anything less than premium in your tank, it should say this on the inside your fuel door. You will hear the difference as well as feel it when you use premium.

 

[Calan]

A boost leak test is THE number one most common, most monotonous, and most important task you'll ever do on these cars. It comes with the territory... you'll grow to love, hate, and rely on BLT's

I don't have a link handy, but there are probably hundreds of them on this forum alone...covering everything from how to build a $5 Home Depot tester, what to look for, and how boost leaks affect your car.

BTW - A week's pay says you have at least a couple leaks. You've described textbook examples of boost leak symptoms

EDIT:

And... what Charlie said. You should think of 91 octane as the MINIMUM.