What did you do about the timing when you put it back together?

 

What do you mean?

I had it at tdc put everything back the way it was. distributor rotor facing terminal 1 as it should be when at tdc.

 

Well you still have to re-set the timing. You did it right to put it back to the markings you started from, but it is probably still a little off. That it runs at all indicates that you're close. Get a hold of a timing light and read the manual on how to set timing. You have to jump a couple of terminals to do it and where they are located varies from year to year. There is also a chance that the distributor is a tooth off, but don't worry about that yet. Figure out where you stand for now, and work from there.

So again, read up on setting the timing, and then see what questions, if any, you have.

 

okay thanks I'll look into it

 

It could be smoking because it is running rich.
If the flapper thing inside the air flow meter is stuck open or the air flow meter is sending a false signal it will run rich.
air flow meter = the box that sits on top of your air filter.
Make sure the flapper thing closes and moves freely with no drag (they will get gunk on the sides sometimes).
In the FSM you can test the air meter with a ohm meter.

 

i got the thing timed but it still isn't running good. I can turn it on sometimes it needs the help of some throttle. I cleaned egr valve, maf sensor, and tried to clean the iac valve, but i couldn't get it off the throttle body.
when it does turn on the idle is low and it dies within a matter of a minute or so.
I have checked the vacuum hoses for a leak, but haven't been able to find one. probably going to take it in to the shop next week if i can't find the problem this weekend.
at least i did the HG so i won't or shouldn't have to pay as much as I would have......hopefully

Any ideas on what to check or do???