combos99

Complete and utter idiot here.

1995 Civic EX, 202000 miles.

Lately, I've been only getting about 25mpg in the city. Last year, I was sitting around 29 or so.

Just in the past few weeks, the gas smell as been pretty noticeable. When looking under the car for anything odd, it seems the gas is coating the passenger front. I see and smell the gas all around the area in front and to the sides of the lower control arm. Again, no idea what I'm doing here.

Also, after the engine has warmed to operating temp, when I go to accelerate through the gears the engine struggles. Instead of being smooth, there is significant power loss in 3rd about 2500rpm and up. By that, I mean normally on first start and merging on the highway, the power the engine has easily moves the car into cruising speed. After warm, it struggles to get there. The engine also has an odd noise, almost like a gurgle instead of a purr while accelerating.

Take it easy on me, I know jack crap. Willing to learn if you have advice for me!

combos99

Here is a short clip of the "gargling" sound I was trying to describe. You can hear it pretty well at 5s.

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1dkX7LAor1a

combos99

Could any of the engine noise/loss of power problems be attributed to too much oil? I noticed that when I go to get my oil changed I never get half a quart back (I always give them 4 quarts). I see in the manual it should be 3.5 w/filter. If they are putting in .5 quarts extra, short of possibly frothing the oil and damaging my engine, could it cause any other issues?