i just did a tune up on my 1.6 8V in my 89 tracker (new distributor, plugs, plug wires, air filter, etc.)  and have it running very nicely. when the headlights and anything else that uses power are turned off the motor runs beautifully. when you turn anything on the motor gets a ticking sound from the intake somewhere and sounds like it misses every 5 or 6 seconds. the alternator seems good since it charges the battery just fine and i have never had a dead battery. once i get above idle it runs fine but at idle i get the noise and missfireing.

The first thing I would check are the grounds in the engine bay. You can also use some jumper cables to be sure you have good grounding between the engine, frame and battery temporarily.

thanks! i'll try that and see if it works tomorrow.