Have just started driving a 1986 Hiace. It seems to be very uneconomic to run. Could anyone help me find out the ignition timing specifications? I need to know the advance retard settings for a 3Y engine.

Most petrol engines and pretty much every Toyota one I've seen run the timing set at 10º BTDC.

This would be a good setting to start with.

Your local library may have a workshop manual for your vehicle. That's about the only place you'll
find much info on the 3Y engine. It's getting on a bit now and there's not a lot of info on the net
about it.

The petrol Hiaces are indeed thirsty beasts. Hence why there are not a lot of them on the road now.
Most people prefer the economy of the diesels - especially the turbo variety which are the most economic
of them all.

Cheers.