Does the advance on a 22re distributor work exclusively via a mechanical system (weights that advance when you spin it faster), or is it electrically controlled via the ECU?

My problem is that my truck (87 22re EFI 4runner) which was running great after a longblock replacement (done at a shop, and I passed a smog check right after, so it was timed right) is running very poorly at idle. I checked it with my timing light (with the diag pins jumped) and I have a ton of advance at idle...prob 25 degrees or more. I retarded it as far as I could before running out of adjustment, and the idle was great. No more missing. I was able to get it down to about 10 degrees BTC or so. However, it then ran like a dog when you try to accelerate. So, I'm thinking that my advance is stuck and not letting it back down to 5 BTC at idle. I put the distributor back to its original location, and it runs great at speed again, and back to the same missing, stumbling, etc at idle.

Do I need a new distributor, (weights stuck or something) or is the ECU involved at all here. I'd rather not by a distributor just to check, and don't have an extra.

 

Computer advances timing. Sure your marking the right notch on your crank pulley? Cheak basics spark, fuel and fuel pressure, compression, valves adjusted hot and correctly? Vac leaks? Check main intake tube. Air Flow meter defective check resistance.

 

I had a similar problem when I rebuilt my 22re ... my distributor was off by one tooth.

 

I would first suspect the air flow meter.