I took my 95 3VZE in to toyota for some head work awhile back. They said they set the timing to where it should be. I got curious and checked my timing the other day and it was like 28* btdc. I set it to the stock 10 and it ran like crap. Had poor throttle response and really gutless on acceleration. So I set it back to where it was and it runs good again. Does this sound normal?

 

Did you jump the diagnostic terminals before checking it and seeing at 28* BTDC?

 

Happens when the TPS is out of adjustment and your engine doesn't know it's supposed to idle at 10 degrees BTDC. I've had this problem on and off for a long time and I think I just need to get a new TPS.

 

As said above, you need to jump the T and EI terminals in the diagnotic block with a wire to kill the advance circuit to set base timing.

 

Yes, but jumping those terminals only helps if the engine computer gets the idle signal from the TPS, and the difference in timing is just a couple of degrees anyway. If you show 28 degrees BDTC the EC is not getting an idle signal from the TPS.

 

I did jump the terminals and its still read 28. So it sounds like I need a new TPS, but from what i hear those arent cheap. This wont do any damage will it? I ask because i dont know how long it will be till i can afford one

 

It won't hurt things much if at all, just maybe a drop fuel economy.

What normally happens when the throttle signals idle to the ECU, the ECU will advance the timing and either cut or lean the mixture. That helps with engine braking, i.e. when you are moving and let off the throttle, and burns less fuel at idle / not moving. When you insert the jumper in the diagnostic port, the ECU will drop the timing to the base setting only if the TPS is reading idle.

Before you throw money at the TPS, follow 4Crawler's guide here:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...roubleshooting - this gives you some insight into what the TPS can affect
and
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...#TPSAdjustment - this tells you how to check / adjust it.