I want to buy a timing light to tune the 3VZE but I'm not sure what kind to get. (dunno much about mechanics but would like to)

Any suggestion and what different types are there? FSM for my 'Runner says to make sure the light is compatible with my engine:rolleyes:

Also, they say 10 deg BTDC but then there's also a spec for the advance. How do you set that?

Thanks much,

Warren

 

Timing Light
34.99 seems reasonable.

Jay

 

Great. Thanks Jay. Now how about that Advance question

 

It's super easy.
Locate the bolts securing the distributor to the engine. Loosen those bolts a little, don't back them out completely. Start the engine and point the timing light at the indicator. A line on the crank pulley should show what your current timing is.
Turn the distributor (clockwise, I think) until the line moves across the indicator. I believe every mark is 2* advance or retard. If you advance it, the idle should rise.
When you have advanced the timing to your liking, tighten the bolts holding the distributor.
This is what I did on my little car. I'm sure it's the same in the 3VZ as it is on my Escort.

By the way, when after you tighten the bolts, shut the engine off and reset the ECU (disconnect the (-) battery terminal)

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks. Why re-set the ECU? Does it have to re-calibrate?


Warren

 

Before you can adjust the ignition timing, you have to jumper the connections TE1 and E1 in the diagnostic connector. You can use a paper clip. This puts the computer in "Test Engine" mode (Hence the TE). The E1 stands for "earth" (ground).

The specification for the advance, is an inspection specification only. Meaning that you can not actually adjust anything, but it gives you an idea on what to expect when inspecting. With the Jumper mentioned above removed, revving the engine while inspecting the timing with the light, you should see the timing mark "advance", compare this to the spec.

It is not necessary to disconnect the battery. However it is not a bad idea I suppose. Later Model toyota computers have a learned correction table, which tailors the engines performance to your driving habits. By disconnecting the battery or pulling the EFI fuse for 30 secs, you reset this "learned" data.

Jay

 

Much appreciated Jay.

Warren

 

Speaking of timing Jay do you think it would even be worth the effort and money just to have it checked? Does it change at all over time. I have read in 3 places that timing is critical to good performance and mileage on the 3VZ-E. Mine seems to run fine but I do get a slight tick if I have the cruise set and come to a hill in 5th gear. Our gas is super shi$$y here though. 87 Oct- it seemed to run alot better with 91 in it.

 

Timing shouldnt change to much. Possibly a little timing belt stretching could cause it to be off slightly over time. Its a very simple adjustment, wouldnt cost to much to have it checked, id do it for free if a customer asked me.

Jay

 

My timing was off a couple of degrees and I also had a low idle which was very noticable when the A/C would kick in. After I set the timing (correctly) I noticed everything got better, including the power and fuel mileage. Look at your timing marks carefully since the 3.0 had two different versions. One is very easy to read the 10 degree point - the other you have to split the difference between the marks to find the right point. I suspect the previous owner just assumed to line up to one of the marks and that was dead wrong dead wreckoning. I confirmed it with the dealership that they see a lot of low idle problems and the symptoms I mentioned and checking the timing solves the problems a lot of the time.