Volvo: 94 volvo 850 non-turbo MAF, vacuum leaks, volvo experience

Question
Howdi;  I'm a tech in the outboard business, but nothing here makes sense to me yet.  On board computer says 1,2,1 MAF.  
  To start, had the car 4 years, just last week pulled away from a store and motor shut off, check engine light lit.  I checked water, oil and trans, all aok,so nursed back home, read the book, checked the on board puter and disconnected the maf.  Replaced now with 2 good looking ones, now car won't even run with either of them.  Disconnected car actually runs OK if I watch the idle and decelerate slowly. Cleaned, and then replaced the flame trap.  no help...Should I get air from the electric idle air motor that is always running with ign. on?  I'm fit to be tied, so to speek!  

Answer
Steve,
Sounds like you need a tech that has Volvo experience. MAF uausally don't go bad in three's. Unless they are not the right ones for that car. I do see quite a few MAF's go bad.  Any vacuum leaks, is the engine in tune cap rotor and wires good?