[SiCoBoY]

I replaced the TPS since my code scanner gave me the codes. I was excited thinking this would fix the problem, but it didn't. So now I'm guessing its a vacuum leak. The car still smokes!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI2RjibcddA

I was seeing a video on how to detect a vacuum leak and the guy used a smoke machine. I don't know where to buy on of those, but will fuel pump/engine vacuum pressure leak tester from ebay be good. I found it for $30. Good price or is it cheaper at an autozone? oreillys? advance?

But, since replacing the TPS the car runs better. When I would go 55mph the rpm would be around 2600. Now it goes 2100, but when in 3rd gear, after going above 2500 it'll lower as if it goes to 4th gear. Then it'll actually go to 4th gear, lowering more.

[TOM RENZO]

That black smoke is a rich condition. A smoke machine is a couple of thousand dollars. You can find a vacuum lesk with carb cleaner or brake clean. Spray it on the intake upper and lower gaskets ETC and if the rpm changes you have a leak. Did you adjust the TPS to .90-1.0 VOLTS at closed throttle???

[SiCoBoY]

No I did not! Please tell me how to set the volts. And I never understood RICH. Can you tell me how to run poor? or at least middle class?

[93foxbody2.3]

Is she eating oil? Losing oil but not leaking?

[SiCoBoY]

Yes yes yes!!!!!!

[mg man 75]

Rich just means using not burning the gas that is going thru the motor. Usually means needs tuneup. Spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Fuel injector maybe stuck or messed up but not very likely. As far as find vac leak. Tom Renzo is telling the best way with what you got to work with. Maybe could find a vac leak by looking for crack vacuum lines. EAsy to replace just replace one at time. EGR valve could be leaking thu. Rare so lets check the obvious ideas first.

[NavySVO]

To set the TPS you will need the following tools.
1. Small Phillips screwdriver
2. Digital Voltmeter
3. Analog Voltmeter

The base idle needs to be set properly prior to setting the TPS. see below for instructions on setting base idle

The next thing to do is hook up the analog meter to the green and Black wires. With the key on open and close the throttle body slowly, you should see the needle move in a smooth arc without jumping around. If the needle jumps there is a dead spot in the TPS and it will need to be replaced.

The next step is to set the TPS to the proper voltage with the key in the on position. Using your digital meter, connect to the same wires as you did in the above. The TPS voltage should be as close to .90V with the TB in the closed position. At full open (WOT) should be around 4.5V to 4.75 V. If the TPS is not within the above settings, loosen the 2 phillips head screws and rotate the TPS until you get to .90V at closed throttle. Tighten the screws, and recheck your settings again.

[turboeeyore]

i'd bet if you take your plugs out at least one is saturated in oil.

[SiCoBoY]

Thanks for explaining! I will try it, but I would like to know about the oil thing too. What is happening to my oil? What kind of oil should I use? Don't get mad guys but my dad for some reason tells me to put HD40. Is that wrong? He says since its an old car, it needs that one.

[93foxbody2.3]

I thought it might be burning the oil. Blown gasket/ring? Just a thought. I had blow by in an Olds I had, eating lots of oil and smoked out the pipe at warm up. Needed piston rings, bad! Went through a box of 20/50 GTX in a week or so. But like I said, just a thought.

[TOM RENZO]

That engine is going rich and then corrects itself. If it was oil it would be blue. It still may have an oil consumption problem like the guys point out but basically the exhaust is clean untill that rich condition comes on. Sounds like something id driving the mixture intermittenty rich. Post all the engine mods and is it a turbo and how much boost you run. If you want a good oil for everyday driving use 15W40 its a diesel oil and if you use oil with that weight in the crankcase the motor has a problem. Good luck TOM

[SiCoBoY]

So i shouldnt be using HD40?