1998 Camry LE won't start *please help*

[98ToyotaCamryLE]

Hello guys and gals,

I have a 1998 Camry LE and a few month ago the oil light started flashing. i come to realize that there was alot of sludge built up in the top of the engine proventing oil from getting up to the cam shaft. So, i took off the cover and pulled the front (exhaust?) cam out to clean up all the sludge and clear things up. I did remember to mach up the 2 red lines on the cam and i also made my own marks to where the cam position is so i know i put it back in right..

Now the car will turn over but, will not start......

I did confirm that i do have fuel to the engine, i have really good spark, and i also have oil coming to the top of the engine. so, my question is anyone have any ideas why its not starting or what to check/do?

[hill8570]

Does she even try to catch or backfire when you're turning 'er over?

If you pull one of the plugs, what does it smell like?

How did you test for fuel and spark?

[werkit217]

although you did remove the sludge from the top i would recommend that you clean or replace the oil pump, valve cover, and possibly check the timing; maybe you're 180 degrees off on the crank shaft

[98ToyotaCamryLE]

Originally Posted by hill8570

Does she even try to catch or backfire when you're turning 'er over?

If you pull one of the plugs, what does it smell like?

How did you test for fuel and spark?

no backfire but, it tries to catch... if i pull one of the plugs it smells like fuel... as for testing for spark i used a tester that plug into the wires and then to the spark plug.. i also checked by having the plug pulled and grounding it.

i also since disconnected the battery for awhile in an effort to clear the computer... i also checked the camshaft position sensor with a meter and appears to be good.

do these cars have a fuel cutoff switch somewhere?? also if the plugs smell like fuel.. it would have to be getting fuel right?