I have a 85 4 runner w/22re I just bought was starting to sputter. Gave it a complete tuneup but no change. Realized the sputter only happens when I use an accessory like the wipers is the worst. Was told I had a bad battery even though it was fully charged. But while I was doing tune up, the timing was advanced off the gauge but ran good. Timed it to 5' btdc it idled but wouldn't drive and didn't start as easy. Also when I shorted the plug for timing I had no change in idle. Had to set timing back to where it was just to drive. Does anybody have a clue cause obviously I don't THANX

 

My cousin had a 22re Toyota pickup that would only run well with the timing advanced more that it was supposed to be. The engine had a loud, load related tick that sounded like piston slap. I always figured the knock sensor picked up that noise as pinging and retarded the timing. Does yours have any ticks or knocks?

Other possibilities that come to mind are something causing the timing marks to be off, or a grounding problem near the computer or certain sensors. Check that your charging system is running at the correct voltage (slightly over 14 volts). If it does not drop much with the wipers going then that should rule out the battery or the alternator.

 

be sure to check your spark plug wires as well as your coil make sure that your wires are not arcing on to metal