1997 Camry 3.0 v6 won"t run. Help!
 

My daughter has a 97 Camry LE 3.0 v6, when she bought the car, it had a slight rough idle, scanner showed multiple misfires. We thought coil packs. She drove it a few days, it would cut off sometimes at stops, but it would restart, until last time. Found engine had hardly any compression on #3. Replaced engine, put in new packs, timing belt, water pump, injectors, plugs etc.

Engine will idle when cold, then shut off. Scanner give no codes. If throttle is held between 2500 to 3000 rpm, engine will run all day, but try to go higher or lower, engine shuts off. We have replaced engine computer, MAF, cam, crank, temp sensors. Cleaned throttle body, idle air control, plugs & wires, fuel pump pressure good, injectors working good, etc. We are at a loss.

Any suggestions would be most welcomed.

Thanks

Did you replace the complete engine including throttle body, injectors, sensors, etc. Or use a short block or swap parts with old engine?

Complete engine, and yes everything has been replaced. When you first start it up cold, it will idle for about 2mins then shut itself off. It will start again with foot on the gas will give a slight backfire and will run all day between 2500- 3000 rpms any more it will cut off, any less it will cut off.

A few places to start:

The cars computer is specific to the engine as to year, emissions and transmission. Make sure any sensors, controls, etc. on the new engine are the same as the old engine.

Recheck all wiring to the engine plus make sure all plug wire connections are good.

Backfiring through the engine intake is typically a fuel problem. Check for fuel issues such as failing pump, plugged fuel filter or line (the can filter in the engine seldom plugs up but?), bad fuel in tank, etc.

Some engines have a control to boost fuel pressure when cold starting. If the old engine had this make sure the new engine also has.

Low electrical voltage and current can cause engine issues. Check battery and alternator output, battery connections and terminals, wire ground points, etc.