my truck likes to idle high, but if i push back on the throttle cable thingy, it goes to normal idle and i can set timing just fine. do i need to adjust my TPS or is it a matter of lubing up the speedo cable and/or cleaning something off since i can manually get the idle down.

 

My rules of auto mechanics.

1. Don't force moving parts.
2. All parts that move should move freely.

So in your application I would definitely start with some basic lubrication of the throttle assembly.

 

that emission control part with the little piston under the throttle that stops the throttle from slapping shut too quickly (called a dashpot) gets old and doesnt go down as it should. It happened on both of my 22-re's making the idle too high, but if you push on it it goes away. try backing the screw all the way out and that will bypass the whole part, and it is a rather useless part. It should fix the problem. I can't find a replacement other then at a stealership.

 

interesting, ill give it a shot.

 

well, i tried backing the screw off entirely, but it didn't help anything. im starting to wonder if perhaps the opposite would work so that the spring would help push it closed.

 

see if the throttle will close with the cable disconnected. If it does, adjust the cable were it leaves the tube and goes to the throttle body just enough that the throttle closes completely- probably only a turn or two on the adjusting nuts.

 

The throttle cable can go bad, i just replaced the throttle cable on my 86 4Runner because the throttle cable was fraying and making the accelerator peddle get stuck open.