leaking oil and coolant from somewhere

[oldSchool90]

My car has been leaking oil and coolant from somewhere. I haven't found out where yet but i can see the oil all over the oil pan and the coolant dripping off the drivers side control arm.

When I'm driving my oil gauge stays about the middle.(stock oil gauge) Then when I'm sitting at a stop light, the oil gauge drops to between middle and the L(low). My car wants to die at that point. What does this mean? Do i need to add more oil? Why does it change like that?

sometimes when im sitting still, it doesn't idle smooth. it tends to rev itself up and down, i mean only between 1000rpms and 1700 rpms. Dont understand. information would be helpful.

My car has brand new spark plugs and cables. when i went for the emissions test. I failed because my Hydrocarbons were to high. what does this usually mean based on whats happening? I mean high hydrocarbons means im not burning the gas. I have a high flow cat but i dont think is what is causing it. what should i think about looking into???? help!!!

 

[romeen]

It sounds like you've got quite a few problems.....some related to one another, most not.

1) The best way to locate the oil leak is to spray all the oil covered areas with brake cleaner to get the oil off. Then start the car and let it idle. Try to pinpoint where the oil is coming from. If you drive it the air rushing past the motor will cause the oil to spread and make it difficult to locate the source of the leak. Common areas to check would be valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and turbo oil return line. There are many other areas that can leak but these 3 are a good place to start looking.

2) If the coolant is only on the driver's side I would consider a failing water pump. After your car has been parked overnight do you find small puddles of coolant beneath the lower timing belt cover? You can also get under the front of the car to look for coolant dripping from this area.

3) From your description you clearly have idle surge. Here is a link to help you with that:
http://www.dsm.org/how-tos/tttt/tttt3.html

4) As long as you are checking your oil frequently and topping it off to replace lost oil don't worry about the indication on the factory oil pressure guage for now. Most DSM's show very little pressure on the factory guage once the oil has warmed up and the car is idling. The erratic readings are likely being caused by the idle surge.

5) Excessive hydrocarbons emissions are usually caused by incomplete combustion. But this can be caused by many factors.
Does your car reach normal operating temperature? If it doesn't the air fuel mix may not be burning fully. A stuck open thermostat is one thing that can cause this.
Excessive carbon buildup on the intake valves and in the cylinder may also lead to this.
A blocked PCV would be another possible cause.
A failing O2 sensor will cause your car to run rich as will excessive fuel pressure.
EGR valve not functioning properly.
Have any of your emissions equipment been altered or remvoved?

Well that's plenty for you to digest for now and I'm in need of a break. Others PLEASE feel free to take over on things I may have missed.

 

[Eclipse98_RS]

I kind of have the same problem with the revving up and down. Except mine goes from about 800-1250 RPM's. I know a little fluctuation is normal but 450 RPM's is a lot in my book.

 

[oldSchool90]

yes, there usually is a puddle underneath my car or coolant. it comes down from the timing belt side.

i haven't messed with any emissions control on my car.

as far as the oil on the oil pan though. i just replaced the valve cover gasket and i check it everyday for 4 days after i replaced it. so im thinkin its gotta be coming from the oil pan gasket or oil return line.

thanx for the help