Is my car supposed to run WITHOUT the MAF !?!?!
 

Here's a weird one ... You guys might remember I was having problems getting my 1994 323 1.6L SOHC to start up after I had a head job. Well, I got the car to start but with two interesting points .. First, the car will only start if I have someone "choke" the intake tube with their hand (covering up the intake and cranking the engine until it starts). Second, and most weird, the car will only start with the MAF plug disconnected ... If I plug in the maf harness, the car stalls and will not start up again ...

Any suggestions as to what's going on ???? Note that the car was running fine when I took it apart to have the head job and replace the water pump. Thanks for the info.

That sounds completely the opposite of what my friends 323 does... if i were u, id take it to get that checked, might cost alot, but itll work out....

Well... I'd be a lot more comfortable if my situation was the opposite way around ... I think I'll be pulling my MAF apart and checking it .. Better yet, I think this is the perfect time to buy that RX7 air flow sensor !!!

thats odd. ive never heard of that happening before. are you sure that theres no vacuum hoses disconnected anywhere?

Yep... vaccuum is good ... I'm getting ready to pull the air flow sensor cover off and check the sensor parts.. Keep the suggestions coming, they are appreciated.

The MAF must be bad... I believe when you unplug it the ECU uses other sensors

I agree... I will be checking the MAF shortly... Can I use the RX7 MAF on a 323 ??

Here's a last minute thought .... The valve head was ported/polished and a multi-angle job done on the valves. I also polished the intake manifold runners and plenum... Is it possible that all this extra flow is causing the trouble ?? I would think not, but I'd like to know what you guys think ...

thats a possibility. im not too familiar with the way that stuff works, so i cant answer for sure.

yes, you can. its a pretty common swap on the 323. i believe the ECU has to be remapped for fuel in some way though. :)