Idle / Electrical Problem - Oil Smells like Gas

[dylangumby]

For a couple months now I've noticed that when I turn on any electrical device in my car, the engine idle drops to about 500 and the car shakes. If I'm driving its not noticeable due to the higher revs, but if I'm at a light or sitting still it is very noticeable.

I have also noticed that my headlights when on are oddly dim and will drop the revs, so I have to always run with them on bright, which is still not very bright...just average.

So, in the last month this idle problem has become worse. I replaced the alternator, thinking it was the source of the problem, it has absolutely ZERO effect on it.

Yesterday I go to change the oil, and as soon as I popped the drain plug out, it was a very very strong smell of gas. The engine was hot, I'm sure that made the smell worse. When I removed the fill cap, and stuck my nose to the fill hole, it smelled of sulphur. Not too bad, but distinct.

What is my problem, or what can I do to diagnose it? I'm on a budget. Could it be as easy as new plugs, wires, distributor? Or should I be looking at a new set of injectors? =(

[SCT]

For smelling gas when you're draining/ filling the oil, that could be from blow-by (when exhaust or air/fuel mixes pass the piston rings into the crankcase, reason for PCV valves).

About your electronic dimming at idle, I think there's a solenoid/vacuum actuator that compensates for electrical loads. Check your battery as well.

[dylangumby]

Apologies, I meant to have this bit of information in my original message:
During the oil change, after I smelled gas, I checked the PCV valve which is only about 2 months old. It was very very full of oil, so I cleaned it with some brake cleaner. It still rattles.

So its quite possible that my piston rings are gone? =\

There is something called an "Idle-Up Diaphragm", that was my mechanic's suggestion as well. So I will start with that. You don't think the two are related? Poor combustion putting unburned gas into the oil?

I'm not that knowledgeable on the internal workings of the engine, so apologies if thats not even possible?

[REN69]

The only way that could happen again is if you had bad piston rings... I'm also thinking this could be a vacuum leak somewhere, dropping the idle down when accessories are turned on.

[D0UG]

Strong gas smell in oil and relatively new PCV valve full of oil usually means blow-by in at least one cylinder. Pull the spark plugs to see if they are fouled or oily and get a compression test.

Sorry, but it doesn't sound good if you are on a tight budget.

[dylangumby]

Ugh. I haven't had it tested yet. If it is blow-by, I'm not going to be very happy, I've spent more than $4000 on this car since August.

Starting to wonder wtf I did to myself.