Setting timing on a 20R

[Dave-T]

I recently failed smog on my 78 Hilux with the 20R due to the timing being a bit off and the egr malfunctioning. Runs really well though. Am I right 8 degrees is the stock timing for this engine? Can anyone briefly describe the process of setting the timing? Already have a timing light ready to go.

Got a Haynes manual for it but it doesn't explain nothin. Thanks, Dave

 

[WristPin]

warm the engine to normal operating temperature.
verify idle between 750-900 RPM
disconect the vacuum hose on the distributor.
hook the timing light (inductive goes on the #1 plug wire) ( inline goes inline the #1 plug wire) and red cip to + battery terminal, and black to chassis ground.
pull the trigger on the timing gun aiming it at the crankshaft pulley. atop of the pulley is a series of numbers. the mark in the crank pulley must line up with the "5" on the number tab.
if it is off, use a 12mm wrench to loosen the bolt that holds the distributor in place.
by turning the distributor and monitoring the mark, it will move one way or another.

move it so it lines up with the 5. tighten the 12mm bolt down. verify again it hasnt moved.

remove timing light hook ups.
connect vacuum hose to distributor.

if the mark on the pulley is hard to see, use a dab of paint to highlight it.
it is a mark made with the end of a chiesel, so dont confuse it with a scratch.

 

[Dave-T]

Thanks Wristy! Finally got it done this morning and the truck passed smog! I didn't have a 5 on the number tab, only a 3, 8, and 0. I aligned it with the 8 and when the tech checked it it was 9 degrees BTDC, so close enough. Before it was 14 BTDC.