Stumped with a 94LE V6 issue

[T.D.]

My first time working on a Toyota, so pardon my previous post with incorrect info:

Just did an engine swap on a 93 Camry LE V6. It has the 3VZ-FE engine. I swapped it with an identical engine, so there was no problem with wiring, etc. The engine ran fine prior to the swap.

Here is the issue:

The engine will crank and run for just a second or two ONLY WITH THE MAF DISCONNECTED. If the MAF is connected, it will not start at all, the engine turns, but it wont fire.

I had a mechanic come by and look and he found one ground connection that was incorrect, and we swapped out the distributor, but same problem.

Will a bad MAF cause the car to not run at all? I double-checked the plug wires, but it appears the firing order is correct. Is it possible I have the distributor on incorrectly so it is misfiring? The #1 plug wire needs to be at the top of the distributor cap, correct?

I did find two plugs not connected, but I believe they are for doing diagnostics or for options that were not added. One near the front of the engine near the AC compressor and one on the transmission just below the distributor.

Really need some help here as I'm at a loss....

Thank you!

T.D.

[uuuuu]

I think the crank position sensor is in the distributor housing

[Stillrunning]

I'd first make sure you don't have any intake leaks downstream of the MAF. Have you resistance tested the MAF against ambient temp?

[Jason.MZW20]

Um, the 1MZ doesn't have a distributor. Did you put in a 3VZ?

[T.D.]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it is a 3VZ engine.

I double-checked the firing order and it is correct. Is it possible the distributor cap is in the wrong direction?

[Jason.MZW20]

Originally Posted by T.D.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it is a 3VZ engine.

I double-checked the firing order and it is correct. Is it possible the distributor cap is in the wrong direction?

Well the 1994 Camry V6s came with 1MZs, did they not?

[pmesfun]

Are you sure its a 94? 92-93 was 3VZ, 94-96 was 1MZ.

[chronoti]

yup 92-93 had 3vz

94-05 had mz's

only auzzy holdens and rebadged holdens had the vz from 92-96

so there a start to your problem there

[T.D.]

Updated my post for accuracy and also to add a few notes of my progress.

Thank you for the corrections gents.

T.D.

[Jason.MZW20]

The vane type AFM controls the fuel pump via the fuel pump switch. Short FP and +B (under the diagnostic cap) to prime the pump with the IGN ON, keep the AFM plugged in, then try to start the engine.

A bad AFM can cause a no start issue, definitely.

It's a potentiometer based AFM, so you'll have to check its operation and output voltage when moving the air flap.

[T.D.]

Jason, you are 100% correct! I replaced the AFM and she cranked up and started!

Need to tighten up the exhaust and I think I'm done!

What really confused me was that the car was running fine prior to pulling out the engine, so I must've banged the part when I pulled it out or something.

Thanks for the help!!

T.D.

[Jason.MZW20]

Awesome. Glad to help!