will a broken temperature gauge cause it to go into limp mode? if so why?

 

No. Not if it's the gauge itself that's bad. Even if the sending unit is bad it shouldn't go into limp mode. If the ECT is bad vtec wont engage IIRC.

 

What CEL codes are thrown?

 

well the wire that actually goes into the motor broke when we had to replace the cam.

 

oh it also happens after about 10-15 minutes of driving. only when the car heats up. and i believe the code is 4. i'll have to check again.

 

It will help to know the code with certainty.

Couldn't be your o2 sensor could it?

 

ok its code 4 for certain. was driving it all day and just got home and plugged it in

 

If it's coming on after you drive the car for about 10 minutes replace the distributor. If it's always on you might want to check the wiring first and rule that out, 9 times out of 10 the sensor is indeed bad though.