Weird Transmission Problem

[Bodack]

I have a 93 Eclipse NT with something weird going on. First off, ever since I put the bra on upside down, had the car overheat a few times, figured out what I had done, and fixed it....the car hasn't acted the same. When I try to crank it, it takes a second or two like it's not firing properly. (Found oil on the far left plug and in the well so I know that needs to be fixed) Next, on a cold start the transmission's screwy. If you try a normal take of, it'll buck like crazy so you have to slip the clutch at 2,500RPMs. After the car's warm, it's fine. Whilst driving the transmisson will be a little jumpy if not shifted around the "prime" RPM range. And finally, I have a possibly vacuum leak. When I shift into neutral to stop, the RPMs drop real low, but sometimes actually turns off. The mechanic was even a bit stumped. If anybody could help I would greatly appriciate it.

[l_eclipse_l]

Sounds like a combination of problems. You definately will have an ignition problem with the oil on the spark plug. Replace the plugs and wires and see if that helps. If the problem persists, it might be the valve cover gasket or head gasket leaking.

You should always let the car warm up for 2-3 mins before taking off. How old is the clutch? Might be time to replace.

The problem with the RPM's dropping and hard starts may be a fuel issue. Try running through some injector cleaner and see if that dosn't help any. Either way you look at it, you have quite a few things to fix.

[Bodack]

Thanks a lot, I'm going to do that today. I know I have a bunch of stuff to fix, but the only guy I trust to take it to in town only works on foreign cars, but we're a long-time customer, so if the stuff keeps up maybe he'll help me out. I'm pretty sure the clutch is orginal, too. And also, when I'm doing 40 in 3rd (3,000 RPMs) The CEL comes on. Also comes on while on the interstate since I'm at a relatively high RPM range. Anything thoughts on that?

[l_eclipse_l]

Does the light come on for a little bit and then go away? That would seem weird to me. If you can get the light to stay on for a period of time, take it to autozone or something similar and have them pull the codes. They do it for free.

[Bodack]

Well, I've done all my tune-up stuff. Plugs, wires, valve cover gasket, oil, and oil filter. Seemed to make the tick go away, and I've come to terms with the transmission thing. I found out how to make the light come on now though. If I stay at anything more than 2,800RPMs for 15-30 seconds, the light will come on. No noises, just the light. And if I drop below that for the same amount of time, it goes off. Only thing is...those OBD2 readers are only good for 96 and newer cars. This seems really freaking mysterious to me about the CEL. Any ideas before I run it to the mechanic?