wishmaster22

I have a 94 4runner 4wd 190k. Loosing power. I want to check and set the timing. I have never done this before and am a complete noobie. Can someone point me to a link or describe the settings and process of checking and setting the timing? An will this possible help my acceleration?



THanks

MMA_Alex

Checking the timing is fairly straight foreward, and the only tools you should need are a timing light, and a paperclip/wire. You use the paperclip to short two terminals in a terminal box (next to fuse box) that pervents the computer from advancing the timing. There should be instructions on which terminals to short on the underside of your hood. You then hook the timing light up to the battery and aim it at the harmonic balencer. You should be looking at where the grove in the harmonic balencer lines up on the little scale next to it. It helps if you put chalk on the grove to better see it.

If you state which engine you have we can give you the proper specs for timing.

wishmaster22

Thanks I have the 3.0 3v engine.

MMA_Alex

I believe its 10 degrees btdc, which means you want the grove to line up with the 10 mark. Do you know where your harmonic balencer is? or do you need instructions to find it?

thook

The proper setting will be labeled on the VECI sticker under the hood. It will also have the correct idle speed setting. Timing should be 10*BTDC, like he said, but check the sticker to be absolutely sure. As I understand it, you can advance the timing a hair, say to 12*BTDC, for more power. I only know this because I've just recently undertaken setting timing myself...with a 3.0. Good luck wishmaster!

L33T35T 4Runner

if you're gonna try advancing it for extra power, dont go too much. I failed smog because my timing was 20*BTDC! no wonder why it sounded like i had marbles in the engine under load around 3k RPM. stupid mechanic that did my timing belt....

wishmaster22

I think i know where the harmonic balance is or at least I think i know where to look. I will see where it is set and check the sticker as suggested. I will also see if 12 btdc will give me more power.

So i need to find out what to short out so that the computer does not kick in.

I need to hook the wire around cylinder 1 wire and on + side of battery

"The proper setting will be labeled on the VECI sticker under the hood. It will also have the correct idle speed setting."
I am a little confused about idle speed. Does the gun read idle speed, or is that something that I have to look at the rpm gauge to read?


thanks everyone for the help.

wishmaster22

Oh one more question, I just changed my spark plugs and of course no difference in acceleration! MY LUCK! Do you think after I adjust the timing, possibly I will get better acceleration? Or do you think it has something to do with my transmission? I notice that if I have my O/D button in or out, the light never comes on. Not sure if it works at all. This vehicle does have a flood title, I believe the guy before me put it in the river. Also what is that ECT button for? Should I have that pushed in all the time?

Thanks Yet again.

MMA_Alex

12 will get you more power, just watch out for pinging, especially on hills, if it dosent ping you should be fine at 12.

LOUIS

ale's

After Dealer's mechanic changed my timing belt, water pump, fan bracket cost me $1200., I was almost no pass inspection. The truck clattering all the time, I check my timing was about 18 BTDC, I put it back to 10 BTDC, no more clatter, truck run a little slow, but engine much more quiter. Damm those high pay dealer's mechanic, careless and destroy things, I will never go back to that Toyota dealer in Houston again.

frankjake

I don't have a "sticker" under the hood, I know what you guys are talking about, I have seen them before on other vehicles but the one on my 4runner has been removed somehow.

Can someone tell me how to "jump" the proper terminals. I want to check and see what the timing is set at now, then make any necessary adjustments.

Thanks

TNRabbit

Here's the link to terminal jump, reading codes, etc.-

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/index.html

The top paragraphs explain which terminals to jump.

frankjake

Thanks for that link.

the_supernerd

Timing can make a big difference in acceleration. The ECT button is for the transmission. In is most likely power mode. It makes the transmission shift at higher RPMs and downshift sooner.