22re 30-40 Timing issue low mpg and power

[ricker2278]

First time poster, long time reader. I recently bought an 87 4runner 22re auto 4wd (200k miles). I'm having two problems which are probably related....and I'm stumped. First I'm only getting about 13mpg, my daily drive is about 60 miles round trip and I average about 50mph. Second, I can barely hold my truck at 60mph going on flat ground in OD and at idle the exhaust smells rich. It seems to have decent power at 3000rpms and above, but below that (like when its in OD at 60mph at 2300rpms) it just starts gradually slowing down no matter how hard I hit the throttle. Also it will barely spin the tires on gravel from a complete stop. So far I have replaced the cap, rotor, plugs (NGK), and coil(Accel stock replacement). That seemed to help with the power issue, but it faded after about a week. I checked the timing, as per the FSM procedure(ie jumper), its just over 12 degrees at idle and around 5 with the jumper. One thing I did notice when I was doing that was when I give it just a little throttle the timing advances like crazy. If I were to guess, since it's past the timing plate, it would be between 30-40 degrees. I'm not sure if it's supposed to do that or not. I also metered the TPS(good) and the MAS(good). It looks like the previous owner tweaked it (caulk around the cover of the MAS), so I turned it clockwise a few teeth to lean it out and the exhaust smells better and I noticed a little more power at WOT. I also temporarily bypassed the ERG which gave it a little better throttle response but I still can't keep it at 60mph. Besides what I listed there are no mods, lifts, or larger tires. The previous owner removed the cat and the AC, along with the vacuum assist. I did do a vacuum test which was about 15in/HG. I also did a compression test, all cylinders read around 125psi -\+5psi. I know that's a little low but my test gauge is cheap and it leaks. I also jacked up each tire and checked for drag (all good). So I guess what I really want to know is what else do you suggest I do to fix these problems or is the power issue normal for a truck this old? Also do any of you guys know if the timing should advance that far above idle?

Thanks in advance

 

[KidVermicious]

The 22RE/Auto combo is horrible gutless, but that doesn't sound normal at all. Have you tried pulling codes? Your truck is OBD - you can't plug a scanner into it, but you can jump the test port and count the flashes of the check engine light (is your check engine light working at all? Sounds like your PO did a lot of hack mods to the truck, wouldn't surprise me if he pulled the bulb).

You didn't mention the O2 sensor, has that been replaced?

 

[ricker2278]

The 22RE/Auto combo is horrible gutless, but that doesn't sound normal at all. Have you tried pulling codes? Your truck is OBD - you can't plug a scanner into it, but you can jump the test port and count the flashes of the check engine light (is your check engine light working at all? Sounds like your PO did a lot of hack mods to the truck, wouldn't surprise me if he pulled the bulb).

You didn't mention the O2 sensor, has that been replaced?

The CEL does come on and go off when started. I've tried to pull the codes but I can't get it to flash....not even the normal code. I do know that the jumper is working since it stops the ECU advance when I checked the timing. I haven't tested the O2 yet.