ignition timming??

[97Rav 4]

I purchased a 1997 rav4 auto awd (150k) since I've had it it's been avg. 18-19mpg 60% freeway,I changed the vsv,left front wheel bearing,cleaned the throttle body,and idle control(took them of the motor)bought a k&n,replaced the autolites with NGK laser cut plugs,cap and rotor,fuel filter and a had my transmission rebuilt($1500 not bad included R and R) cause it leaked out of the bell housing(Rav has 150 k on it)it still seems to get the same mpg when I bought it(2 months ago) the guy said he change the distributer O ring, is it possible the timing is off(it runs great just gets poor millage,do I need to reset the computer after the plugs,cap and rotor.I reset it after the vsv(which I moved to the firewall for the next time! ) then did plugs.After the plug change it starts up right when I turn the key,before it would turn over 2 or 3 times but my wife says it still seems the same mpg wise,(after 2 days)90 miles . To reset the puter I just unplug the battery for 1/2 hr. right?

Any help would be appreciated Thanks

[hd72m]

Yes unplug battery will reset it but you have to drive it for a bit.
Timing cannot be changed unless computer of sensors do it.
I would check wheel hubs to be sure brakes are not dragging,when you stop feel for extra heat. Do this after hwy miles and around town driving and remember brake hoses can be starting to collapse which would make them stick for a short time every time you use the brakes. This is a stretch but just throwing ideas out there.
You should never put more gas in after pump kicks off because it can ruin charcoal canister and if you do this I do not see how you can be sure on mileage with just driving 90 mi so you might want to give it more time.
Take any extra weight out and keep tires up.

[97Rav 4]

I will try it , thanks for the response!

[97Rav 4]

What about initial set up,,can the gear be of one tooth or housing turned slightly,I think it has a slot in it for the hold down bolt?Or would it not run

[Meander]

Some more ideas ;
1 Spark plug wires - with old ones the resistance increases causing poor
spark
2 Dirty air filter -poor air fuel mixture
3 Dirty fuel filter- see above
4 Poor wheel alignment- more drag
5 Low tire air pressure- see above
6 Driving style
7 Driving distance- my 2012 has lower fe than posted because among
others we take 2-3 km trips.
8 Weather-in cold weather it takes engine longer to get up to right temperature
9 Tires- aggressive tread or different than factory tire size

Good lack tracing your problem.

[97Rav 4]

thanks,I havent changed the wires yet

[hd72m]

Do not use bosh wires, a lot of us have had trouble with them.

[DJ Sueno]

Distributor is in a fixed position and cannot be adjusted... At least when I changed the oring on my 96 I noticed that it wasn't adjustable. The 97 should be the same...