94 Camry runs "flat" - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

MordyT · 09-04-2009, 10:56 PM

hey all, tried to search, got fatel error, so i'll just post my question.
Me: I work in auto repair shop with an ASE certified Tech. We can do almost anything that needs to be done - problem is I don't know what to do and he can't waste time diagnosing my personal car.
I have a 1994 Camry (japanese version). Got a V6 (3.0L). Got the car from the local police auction so we know nothing about it.
Came on the flatbed, got the key from Toyota, started up (with a boost) Quickly found that it was only running on 3 Cylinders, after testing replaced the back 3 fuel injectors. Cylinder balance tests showed that all 6 were operating.
Check engine light was on, code changes after replacing parts. CEL indicates replaced to fix the light.

Replaced: 6 spark plugs
3 Fuel injectors (CEL)
1 02 Sensor (B1S1) (CEL)
MAF (old one was cracked)
Timing belt (CEL)

The car is balanced out but when you step on the gas it feels "flat"

OBDII Shows now:
P0510 - Closed TP Switch
P0170 - System too lean (B1)

I looked at the datastream and noticed that the TP switch when noone pressing on the gas showed 12% and full throtle showed 75% so i am going to replace that on tuesday. Hopefully that will clear code 510.

Ok, now that you have all the background, here is my question. Why does the car feel so flat.
I think it is one of the following: Clogged Cat (look very new though and no code 420)
OR Bad computer

What do all you genuises think?

Thanks in Advance
Mordy.

Manny1337 · 09-04-2009, 11:05 PM

i think its a 1994 camry =P its not going to get any better haha well unless you supercharge it

MordyT · 09-04-2009, 11:18 PM

oh come on now, i have a 92 camry as well - and its a 2.2L (4 cylinder). And it picks up faster then my V6! I mean, i appreciate the answer/help, but that is simply not the answer. I know if the cat is clogged (or anywhere else in the exaust system) that it will make it feel sluggish, and i'm sure other thinkg will do it too. Just looking for the one thing I missed.

Manny1337 · 09-04-2009, 11:27 PM

oh well you didnt say it was that bad man =x, did you do a full tune up? fuel filter? seafoam? just throwing shit out of my ass by this point =P

MordyT · 09-04-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny1337

oh well you didnt say it was that bad man =x, did you do a full tune up? fuel filter? just throwing shit out of my ass by this point =P

Yeah, no prob.
Tune up? sorta. sparks, oil, air filter. Anything you recommend?
Fuel Filter....Hmmm. Not getting low fuel pressure so i ruled out the fuel filter/pump.

Thanks for all you help. I really appreciate it.

I should also add that i did a compression test on ONE cylinder (lazy) and it read good.
Should i test the rest of the cylinders or is that a waste of time. on idle, the engine is smooth like butter so it looks like all is well

***ASG14*** · 09-04-2009, 11:49 PM

1: Are you sure it's P0170? I can't find that code, only 171 and 172.

2: Check for any loose vacuum hoses, as well, make sure they are ALL hooked up correctly.

3: Take off the throttle body and clean it well.

4: Clean the MAF with non-clorinated electronics cleaner.

5: Seafoam the engine through the brake booster vacuum line.
I did this on my friends Camry after tearing off the throttle body and intake plenum and clesning them(ironically, a '94 V6 as well), after it was putting out about the same power as the I4 engine. It gained back nearly all the power it had lost. 2 years later, I still have no explanation as to why it helped THAT much, but it did. And to this day, there has been no other issues.

MordyT · 09-04-2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

1: Are you sure it's P0170? I can't find that code, only 171 and 172.

2: Check for any loose vacuum hoses, as well, make sure they are ALL hooked up correctly.

3: Take off the throttle body and clean it well.

4: Clean the MAF with non-clorinated electronics cleaner.

5: Seafoam the engine through the brake booster vacuum line.
I did this on my friends Camry after tearing off the throttle body and intake plenum and clesning them(ironically, a '94 V6 as well), after it was putting out about the same power as the I4 engine. It gained back nearly all the power it had lost. 2 years later, I still have no explanation as to why it helped THAT much, but it did. And to this day, there has been no other issues.

1) Your right. I messed up - its a 171.
2) I will recheck all vacuum hoses - If you have any diagrams / pictures of any of them, it would help me refrence them.
3)I will clean the Throttle body on Sunday and post back.
4)Same with the maf
5) i have heard about seaform before - your testimonial has made me decide to try it.

Thank you for all your help. I will post back after sunday the results. Take care.
If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know.

***ASG14*** · 09-05-2009, 12:05 AM

The vacuum diagram "should" be on the lable on your hood, as long as it is the original hood.

when doing the seafaom, use about 1/3 of a can (about 5oz). and let it sip it in, not guzzle it instantly up. You may have to have one hand on the throttle body to slightly rev the engine to keep from stalling. As well, son;t be surprised if the the engine runs for 10 sec after you shut it off. It;s normal.

http://www.**********s.com/camry/ is the factory repair manual. And good for you, it;s actually for the '94 Camry. I hope all goes will.

MordyT · 09-05-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

The vacuum diagram "should" be on the lable on your hood, as long as it is the original hood.

when doing the seafaom, use about 1/3 of a can (about 5oz). and let it sip it in, not guzzle it instantly up. You may have to have one hand on the throttle body to slightly rev the engine to keep from stalling. As well, son;t be surprised if the the engine runs for 10 sec after you shut it off. It;s normal.

http://www.**********s.com/camry/ is the factory repair manual. And good for you, it;s actually for the '94 Camry. I hope all goes will.

If there was a "Thanks" feature on this forum, i would have hit it. You post was extreamly imformitive. I will post the results on Sunday or Monday. Thanks again and that link is awesome.

MordyT · 09-18-2009, 05:05 PM

ok, its been a while (a lot longer then i expected)
I have been super busy (a good thing) at work.

I have now:
1) Check for any loose vacuum hoses, as well, make sure they are ALL hooked up correctly. (stickere on the hood)
2): Took off the throttle body and clean it well.
3) Clean the MAF with non-clorinated electronics cleaner.
4) gone over the entire exaust system and made sure it was clear.

Is still want to use the seaform - bought a can. when i have time.....

Is there anything else?

MordyT · 09-21-2009, 01:51 PM

Ok. went to seaform the engine and somthing strange happened.
pulled off the brake booster line and the RPM's stayed the same. No change at all.

On an unrelated note. The fan spins at hign speed 24/7 - however the sensor in the car doesn't move. With a scan tool I can see that the car sees the temp (at start-up 190 approx) and during drivin doesn't get higher then about 195. I found the wire/plug which i think is for the temp readout in the car and it is broken.

asphalt victory · 09-21-2009, 02:35 PM

MICE...

you bought it from a police auction it sat for a long time mice got in to the intake manifold and made a nest

THE ONLY REASON I SUGGEST THIS...it happened to my buddies v6 Toyota
i know i know it sounds imposable but when we first got the truck it felt really sluggish for a v6 we did the air filter spark plugs and still ran like shit and got horrid economy took it to a mechanic he poped open the throttle bodie and there it was

. on the drive home we noticed alot more pep lol

Kenny_McCormic · 09-21-2009, 03:49 PM

Broken coolant temp wire would definitely cause it to run lean and like shit.

MordyT · 10-29-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphalt victory

MICE...

you bought it from a police auction it sat for a long time mice got in to the intake manifold and made a nest

THE ONLY REASON I SUGGEST THIS...it happened to my buddies v6 Toyota
i know i know it sounds imposable but when we first got the truck it felt really sluggish for a v6 we did the air filter spark plugs and still ran like shit and got horrid economy took it to a mechanic he poped open the throttle bodie and there it was

. on the drive home we noticed alot more pep lol

I already tore apart the manifold....no mice

Anyways, Really long time, wanted to give an update.

The CEL is back on for ....
P171 - bank 1 too lean. Which bank is 1? closest to the front of the car or closest to the firewall?
P300, 302, 304, 306 ARE BACK! Makes me think a whole cam is out...

Oh, and none of these 300 codes while the 510 was present...Its like it only saw it afterwards...which is what happened before the 510 came on. It was throwing for an 02. As soon as I replaced it, 510! As soon as i replaced it, back to 300's
So, which cylinders are 2,4,6? Closest to the firewall? or the front?

Also....The CEL flashes when the cark is in park or netueral...doesn't that mean shut off car to avoid damage to cat?

***BMR*** · 10-30-2009, 02:12 PM

Bank 1 is closest to the firewall. And cyls 2, 4, & 6 are the opposite bank.

Sorry, that's all I can help you with.