Erratic Idle, ..amongst other things Options

[TotalEclipse97]

I'm throwing a Engine Coolant Temp Circuit Malfunction code. I talked to one of my friends over at Advanced and he said that there's a "checklist" i should run through before i try to replace the Switch, Controller or the electric plug.

Any thoughts?

I'm also getting some oil in my valve cover (where my sparkplug wires are). I can't tell where it's comming from. I don't belive it's comming from the Oil Cap.

The oil issue might have something to do with this. Well after my car is warmed up...i'm getting a somewhat erratic idle. my toggles my GM MAFT and the screw on my Throttle body to no avail. it idles at 1200 then drops and bounces from 1000 to 1150 then back to 1200. it's like a cylinder isn't hitting right or something.

Sorry about the blast of problems but advice and your experienced knowledge would be helpful.

[99Spyder]

or the standard leakdown check.

Correct me if I am wrong but won't a leakdown only get as far as the intake valves(unless there is a problem)? With a bent or stuck intake valve you hear the air through the intake, a damaged exhaust valve would allow audible air out the exhaust, and a blown head gasket could be heard in the crank case...