Can I advance my timing for better MPG or power? Truck is an '89 22re pickup and I have it set on the stock "5" mark on the oil pump. Should I just stick with that or could I push it more? Thanks

 

Yeah... Don't do that.
Advancing your timing will cause pinging, make the engine run hotter, and damage the engine over time. If Toyota could have gotten better milage out of these trucks by something that simple they would have built them that way to begin with, but there is a lot more involved and you shouldn't re-engineer it on the fly.
Set your timing correctly according to the service manual, keep tuning it up occasionally and keep your air filter clean, that's the best way to get the most out of your engine.

 

Thanks Akwheeler. Just wondering because I read on some other forums of folks advancing the timing for better power. Good to know.

 

every adjustment is a give and take proposition, you may gain power, but you will lose something else, probably engine lifespan.
It's your truck, do what you want, you were asking for opinions and that is mine. I highly recommend sticking with the factory settings that they have studied and engineered over decades to get the best all around performance, mileage, emissions, and reliability.

 

My 22re isnt a stock toyota engine anymore (rebuilt with engbldr cam, adjustable cam gear, head resurfaced and other small tweaks) but mine has always ran better at about 9*. So long as it isnt pinging, no damage should occur. If you have a timing light, give it a little advance of a few degrees and see how it goes.

 

That and change your fuel filter. Its above your starter on the block. Nobody seems to change them because they either cant find them or its to much of a PITA. if you get creative with hose routing there is enough room to mount is on the fender/wheel well.
Toyota also at least for some years listed this as a "lifetime" part...

 

My truck is a 93, 140k miles. All stock. I run 8 degrees of advance it runs great. It is a little sensitive to what brand gas I have found. This truck has been in family since new. Even when it was new it always ran like crap on regular grade. It would run perfect on premium fuel. When I took it over a few years ago I figured if it needed premium to run right I might as well advance the timing and get all I can from the poor 22re. This truck is in as great mechanical condition as possible using OEM Toyota parts. I believe it is running as good as it could in stock form. I have a not aerodynamic roof visor, 31’s and 4.56 gears. With the speedo calibrated, I get about 20mpg best case. I never really tested it when I had the timing at base level. I think if i removed the wind catching visor, I’m sure I can get 22-23mpg
the truck just is happiest at 65mph

 

Hows the truck now

 

I've advanced my timing to maximize performance.

 

Try advancing it. See what happens. You are not going to break your engine. If the engine pings, retard the timing. Also try running a full tank of premium. Any ping or detonation is a wasted power stroke. Anybody who remembers the 1970’s remembers how badly cars used to ping and sometimes run on due to detonation.

 

Mine is set at 5degrees right now and it jumps to 11deg when E1 and TE1 unjumped. So I should try 8 degrees jumped ?

 

why not. Jumped or unjumped, you are still adjusting the timing. You can set it either way, but to set to factory setting it should be jumped.

 

what do you set your timing at? Mine is the turbo truck its pretty much the same as the 22re just the compression is lower (and drinks way more gaz ugh)

 

I'm a 22rte... I set my timing so when you bump the starter it fires right up. When you kill it. It should die instantly no kick back or diesling....

 

Mine is set at factory at the moment. It starts right up when warm but when cold it stutters a little bit even the check engine light sorta comes on for a sec or 2 when cranking. Dunno if that has anything to do with anything. What do you set your timing at ? And do you use regular 87 gasoline ?

 

87 no ethanol if possible
timed it by ear... have no idea where it's set.

 

Get a timing gun

 

I have one. Well I have a timing light.

 

What's your altitude? You can advance the timing 1 degree for every 1000 feet above seal level.

 

I switched to ethanol-free 90 octane recently so started advancing it until I get pinging under stress. I simulate stress by taking off in 2nd gear.