So you'd wait to get an O' ring to find out........ ever hear of duct tape?

 

Mine has the o ring it is easy to drop and forget
Don't think it would cause the problem since it is before the MAF while it allows some air to bypass the air filter it all still goes through the MAF

Is the boot between MAF and plenum in good shape? Clamps tight?
Hose to fuel reg on and good?
PVC hoses from valve covers in good shape? Pcv noodle thing in pass valve cover clean?
Everything vacuum related good? Trying to think of things to check that won't cost $ to check

 

I'd never noticed it but after getting your message I popped it open and sure enough there is one. If mine was missing I think I'd put duct tape on the joint. I'm the only one who ever looks in there. If I was feeling fancy, maybe mastic tape with the foil on it... At least until I could get a new o ring.

Thanks for the reply.

Best,

Charlie V

 

Maybe the O ring is there to prevent water from entering in case you drive through some deepish water.

 

I have read most of your process, but did want to make a point for all that a code referencing a sensor, TPS, in this case is pointing to the circuit and the signals expected by the the ecu. I read that you visually inspected the harness. Have you inspected (removed) the terminals in the he connectors and checked resistance in each wire on that circuit while unplugged on both ends? Verified signals at ecu end to verify in range?
i didn't take time to thoroughly read your posts either, you seem quite thorough, but 40 years in auto parts I've seen so much of the sensor only mentality with no regards to circuit. My 96 crank sensor/fuel pump do dilema ran into connector corrosion at the inertia switch. Good luck!