can't figure it out

[ravej50]

I've searched the forums and think this may be a head gasket problem but I don't have the tell-tale smoke signs. Here's my problem:

Occasionally when I start the car after driving it for about an hour and then shutting it off, I have a problem starting it. The engine will crank but it won't start up. I'll let my car sit there for about an hour and then start it up again and it'll start fine.

Then, when I'm sitting in traffic, I've noticed my oil guage down on "empty." Occasionally, the oil light will flicker on. However, when I check the oil level, it's where it's supposed to be. Also, I've noticed my temp slightly creeping up. But when I'm driving, the oil guage will read normal and the temp guage will also read normal. I haven't noticed any smoke coming out of the exhaust but I have noticed that the engine is unusally warm even when I let the car sit in my garage for about an hour or so and I've noticed some drops of oil on the ground. I haven't been able to figure out where it's coming from.

I don't have any oil in my coolant, nor do I have any smoke coming out of my exhaust. At least not when I'm running the car, just when I start it up. Also my check engine light is on, but I can't seem to figure out why it's on. (ie, I have no clue how to read the error codes)


I have a 96 Talon TSI AWD auto and thanks in advance for any help.

 

[TimG]

Then, when I'm sitting in traffic, I've noticed my oil guage down on "empty." Occasionally, the oil light will flicker on. However, when I check the oil level, it's where it's supposed to be.

That gauge isn't an oil level gauge, it's a pressure gauge. Sounds like you have a "I'm dying" oil pump. This is all assuming you idle at a decent level (>700rpms).

 

[ravej50]

That gauge isn't an oil level gauge, it's a pressure gauge. Sounds like you have a "I'm dying" oil pump. This is all assuming you idle at a decent level (>700rpms).

woops..yes, not on empty..I wasn't thinking when I wrote that. Anyway, my idle is usually around 700 up to 1.5K. Sometimes it spikes. When I'm driving it's normal, however, when I'm parked or getting ready to shut it off, it jumps.