dimming lights 95 Avalon

[Scott1234]

My 95 Avalon, experiences a drain on the battery during cold weather. When I roll down my windows the lights dim and the windows seem to drag, at times they will not roll back up unless I wait for a minute or so. I suspected the battery or alternator, and had them both checked at the local Autozone, and was told they were both good. The alternator was producing about 13 amps. Often in the mornings when I first start the car, I can notice the lights dimming while ideling. The Autozone tech said it may be a short. Any advice on how to locate a short?

Also, I have an oil leak that appears what I would call the valve cover. Is it difficult to change or should I, because I read a post on this forum that said it would increase the compression and could cause the engine to start burining oil. I have 205K miles on my baby.

Thanks

Scott

[Joe W]

The lights dimming could be a number of things from an old or mis-adjusted belt, to a low idle. Try increasing the rpm's when you notice the window going up slow and see if the window speeds up. It is unlikely that there is a short as this usually will blow a fuse.
The oil leak will not affect compression, or cause the engine to burn oil, the leak is to the outside.

[Scott1234]

Originally Posted by Joe W

The lights dimming could be a number of things from an old or mis-adjusted belt, to a low idle. Try increasing the rpm's when you notice the window going up slow and see if the window speeds up. It is unlikely that there is a short as this usually will blow a fuse.
The oil leak will not affect compression, or cause the engine to burn oil, the leak is to the outside.

Concerning the oil leak, my question is if I fix it will it then increase the compression and start internal consumption of oil. Also, does it require any special tools to change the gaskets?

Thanks

Scott