Checking / Adjusting Ignition Timing and Idle - 22RE

[RAD4Runner]

I recently changed spark plugs, checked idle, timing advance and... helped save the Earth by keeping the MoreFunner out of the landfill and eliminating the carbon footprint of having to build another Prius-LOL!

The procedure I followed and tools I used for check/adjust my timing advance and idle on 22R-E:

Tools I used:
Timing Light and Tachometer combo.
Straight-slot screwdriver for idle adjustment
Jumper wire with 1/4-inch male spade on both ends for shorting "Check" connector (also useful for many other purposes).
12-mm 6-point box-end / combo wrench for adjusting distributor.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM FSM.

Before starting the procedure idle engine until it gets to normal operating temperature.
Check and adjust idle with AC off.
Proceed with timing / advance check with terminals T and E1 of "Check connector" shorted. Make sure you select the "4" cylinders for 22R-E.

I double-checked the idle RPM (check connector NOT shorted) after the procedure, then back to timing advance, because I do not know if adjusting one would affect the other.

 

[85straight]

Fancy timing gun you have there!
Another thing to note is if idle does not change when you jump the terminals your tps may not be adjusted properly( just what I've noticed and read from multiple sources).
What was you before/after specs on the timing?

 

[RAD4Runner]

Fancy...
Another thing to note is if idle does not change when you jump the terminals your tps may not be adjusted properly( just what I've noticed and read from multiple sources).
What was you before/after specs on the timing?

One of the least expensive timing/tach ones I could find.

Yeah, I've had a bad TPS a few years back. Was replaced already.

OH... for several months, I experimented with an 8-degree advance that I gathered some people have done, but I did not see significant improvement in performance or MPG. In fact, when I replaced spark plugs this time, I noticed darker spots on plugs 1 and 4 than on plugs 2 and 3. Could be related to the advance.
Anyway, since I was getting her smogged, I restored to the spec'd 5-degrees.