94 4runner 3.0 4wd
had to get smog last week and the tech said timing was 30 btdc. Had to set it to 10.5. I left it there and drove it around and it was gut less.
It would fall on its face when I got on the throttle. I put it back to 30my btdc and it runs great again.
Is it bad to have timing that advanced? What do you guys have your timing at? Does that indicate a problem. Thanks

 

never checked mine, even had the distributor out for the engine swap and it just ran great so far, so I never checked it yet.

 

general rule of thumb, retard the timing for no power and good gas mileage, advance for power and bad gas mileage. You should be able to advance the timing just till you hear the pinging from predetonation, then back off a hair.
That's the way I learned to time a Chevy V-8. Surprised your engine doesn't sound like someone dumped a cup of ball bearings in your motor.

 

talking to me? My rig isnt pinging and runs like a top, if it aint broke Im not gonna fix it.

That theory isnt true, if your making more power, but drive like a normal person, youll get just as good of mileage. The problem is people making huge power, use it more (truth in my race car and diesel)

 

It sounds like the terminals in the diagnostic box weren't shorted when he set the timing.

 

Huh?, If I was responding to your post, I would have quoted you. Was responding to OP

 

x2. get a timing light and double check it

 

Yea I jumper the terminals and checked it. It is at 30the btdc. No pinging. Runs smooth so I am leaving it as is.