Clear the CEL code from the ECU. Don't troubleshoot the TPS (see manual at link in my signature) unless the same CEL code repeats.

Is the engine running better? Were you able to set the ignition timing to the red (middle in group of three) mark on the crankshaft pulley?

 

i removed the back up fuse the 7.5 amp (thats how you do it right?). i got the same code again. i bought a haynes manual the other day. and it says to use a multimeter to test the voltage of the sensor, so im going to do that b4 replacing it.
it does drive better after adjusting timing, except for the idle going up and down. and i got the mark lined up.

 

well i was driving today and i saw a blueish/white smoke coming from the exhaust. so i think it's gotta be my head gasket. been reading up on removing the head, changing the timing belt and water pump. i think i could this myself. what do you guys think? i have my haynes manual to follow. if i do it myslef i'll do it next weekend. ill have friday, saturday, and sunday to do it. but i was thinking maybe i should just do a mini-me swap while im at it. as of today my car is in my garage. i don't want to drive it and mess up the car further.

 

You should probably first do a leak down test to determine whether the piston rings instead are bad:

http://www.geocities.com/dsmgrrrl/FAQs/leakdown.htm

 

+1 ^ leak down test first, but yes you should be able to do that yourself if you have the tools. Could be a number of things though most likely rings.

 

i took it to my mechanic on tuesday. he fixed the problem. he replaced the water pump, he changed the timing belt, replaced the distributor, replaced the seals, and adjusted the valves. he didnt charge me much though. everything came to $450.

 

wow that's a pretty good deal, especially considering parts+labor individually

normally timing belt change costs at least $300 by itself

 

i know. when he told me i was surprised. i've been going to him for years and he's been my father's mechanic for a while.

 

Hey bigmikew1, you mentioned a few things that your mech did for you, but didn't say exactly which one of those things was the source of the problem. Thank mate.

 

change your wires! the oil saturated the wires and you aren't getting good contact thus you aren't getting a good spark. Mine did the same thing but I only had two that had bad seals. I tried cleaning the wires but ended up just changing them and problem solved.