Does fuel octane matter when setting timing?
 

So I’ve been trying to borrow a timing light forever so i can see where my 94 runner with 22re manual trans is set. And I finally gave up asking everyone I know and just bought a used older style one off ebay. I could’ve bought one and returned it but don’t feel good doing that.

Anyway the truck has been pinging with regular unleaded but goes away with premium or an added octane booster. I’m guessing whoever replaced the distributor didn’t do the timing or it came out of spec.

Anyway my question is... if the truck advances the timing automatically for higher octane fuel should I run the factory recommended regular unleaded when I’m setting the timing?

22-RE
More important is that you are in "jumpered" mode (RPMs drop), your RPMs are correctly adjusted at the correct screw.
Set it to jumpered mode, adjust rpm (use a 15 USD laser rpm meter from amaz / bay)
Set timing.

Note: you can adjust it more advanced than 5°. 8, even 10° works fine.

Tidbit:
The R in our engines stands for "Low Compression (uses 87 and below octane fuel)"

Edit: whatever fuel you adjust it with, the engine will compensate for higher or lower octane. It's not a race engine.

Thank You for the help. I’ve got it set now and the truck is operating better than ever!

I had to go low, retarded to around 2/3’ to stop it pinging with regular gas. I read this was a Service recommendation years back to help with operating issues and it worked for me.

It also finally stopped idling too high on cold starts. Which it was doing at 5’ Now it idles up to warm up like any other vehicle. Around 1100rpm or so instead of 1400-1500

Only minor issue is the low idle (500) on warm restarts. I.e. restarting engine after its been running. It’s done this since I had it. Made a separate thread to look for help.

Funny enough now that the ac idle up works if the ac is on when i restart it idles at 750