Hallo,
Thanks again for all your help before.

But now...
When I step on the brakes the idle dips way low and when the engine is cool can cut out. At night, with the lights on (or fan) this is especially bad.

I am assuming that this is caused by a leak somewhere in the vaccuum system...as the brakes are connected to intake manifold etc. (d-jet). How would I go about finding out the culprit? And how to fix, perhaps?

Also, could be related, but there is a sound eminating from the brake pedal, not the pedal itself, mind you, but where the pedal pushes through the fire wall into the master cylinder. The noise sounds like TV "snow" or white noise and stops when I depress the pedal and engage the brakes. Could this have anything to do with the idle problem, or a seperate problem all together, or even be a gremlin?

When I bought the car the driverside carpet was soaked (still is) with a greasy reddish liquid...until now I assumed someone was trying to drive and drink a bottle of olive oil unsuccessfully...hmm now methinks she had problems before if what is in the carpet is brake fluid...anyone have any ideas?

indebted to any gurus
-samuel