94 grand am GT rough idle

[ddegroot5]

I have a 94 grand am GT with the 3100 motor in it. When i first start it, and when i am stopped in gear it idles rough, and causes the entire car to shake a little bit. Sometimes it almost seems like it wants to stall. It seems to run fine while i am moving, and if i give it a little throttle while stopped. I have been reading a little bit, and think it could possibly be either a vacuum, ICV, fuel, or some other sensor problem, but i think it also may be related to my coolant problem.

It is also going through a substantial amount of coolant. It does leak some, but i dont know for sure where it is coming from. I checked all the lines going to and from the reservoir and also the lines to and from the radiator. The only spot that seems to be wet is right by the thermostat. While it is running i cannot tell if it leaking there or not, but it is the only spot that i can see with any sort of wetness. Like i said, i know it is leaking some, but it doesnt seem to be leaking as much as it is going through the coolant. Could it be burning coolant, and would this be a head gasket problem?

Any ideas on what may be causing these issues?

Thanks

[3100]

-signs of burning coolant is constant steamy exhaust
- lover intake gaskets can leak on this engines
- check your carpet under the dashboard for signs of leaking heater core
- coolant reservoir tank cap can leak also if the rubber seal inside is worn out.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF ddegroot5 !

When was the last tune up? and how many miles on this 94 ?

I would first check for vacum leaks for the rough idle.
If you cant here any whistling of a vacum leak, you can use carb cleaner and spray around the vacum lines. It'll change the idle sound/feel if thiers air sucking in.

Rough idle could also be caused by the idle air control valve-IAC too, it controls idle.
Or if it's in bad need of a tune(plugs&wires), or the injectors are dirty/clogged.

And if you do have a blown lower intake gasket the coolant can leak into the cylinder(s) (diluting the fuel/air mix) and which burns off making the car run rough.

Though, you could just be leaking it all under the TB along the middle of the engine block and none going into the engine. This area is a typical leak spot.

Just keep an eye on the oil!! If it look milky I wouldnt drive it except to get it fixed. This will ruin your engine bearings, and that's no fun.

Good Luck!