[Eclipse94]

Thanks for the explanation of the ECU. I think I confused the issue in my post when I mentioned the acrid smoke and other ECU malfunction issues. That was just the ECU info I'd found during my earliest searches using the symptoms I was experiencing after shifting to second in my search string.

Fortunately, my car is still functioning pretty well. But, because I'd read about the ECU, I was concerned that if it WAS the problem, all that leaking crud would kill it soon.

The repair center that has my Eclipse came highly recommended by some very picky friends. The owner/mechanic says it's the timing belt. However, I was able to confirm from the guy that sold me the car that the timing belt had been replaced 2000 miles before selling the car to me...that makes it about 3000 miles ago, total, at this point. (BTW, the seller is the one that had said something about replacing the water pump while doing the timing job because of the location...I knew someone had said it was a good idea and I just couldn't remember whom)

The reason that the mech. says it's the timing is because, when he turned the distributor as far one way as he could -- which is not much -- the car ran like it should. That being said, I do not know if he used a more "scientific" approach than that or not, and it didn't occur to me to ask. I just want him to make a good diagnosis, followed by a good repair.

Though disappointed that he hasn't started on my car yet, it's actually going to work in my favor because I can now call and ask if he used a "timing light" as you mention in your first reply and if he scanned for error codes.

I'm with you, I absolutely DO NOT want to fall victim to "replace on a guess" repairs. We'll see!!

Thanks for the additional info!!
Lee