I've seen lots of threads that talk about needing to clean the <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym>, and what to use to do it, but no DIY. Is it so simple that you don't need one? I'm not even sure what it looks like or exactly where it is. I may be the idiot that proves something isn't idiot proof. Appreciate any guidance.
pretty much
go buy MAF cleaner (no substitutes)
remove MAF
spray all internal surfaces thoroughly
allow to dry thoroughly. do not start car if at all even damp.
reinstall
I am interested in this also were is the mass air flow? Is this the filter in the air box in front of motor?
it isn't a filter. it is the unit between the throttle body and the airbox. it is a sensor the determines the amount of air being drawn in (hence the term Mass AirFlow sensor) and tells the DME (ECU) what to do accordingly. the grid is to smooth the airflow so it evenly hits the hot wire inside.
Speaking of which, my grid has seen better days. Anyone know where I could pick up a replacement for this? I checked the PET but they only list it as part of the complete <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym>.
i think you can get it done at a rebuilder, but i have never seen the part by itself. given where you are though, you would probably be better off just buying one from somebody.
i have heard of a volvo part interchanging, but i have not been able to confirm it yet.
So, once you remove that section between the airbox and throttle body, there is no further disassembly? You just spray <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> cleaner in each end, then let it dry completely? Any wires to disconnect to get it completely out of the engine compartment (to get it to an area where overspray doesn't matter)?
one flat multipin connector and it's in your hand and you can carry it over to your bench
and yes, that's all there is to it.
That and the hose that runs to the idle control valve.. Coincidently, a good time to clean the ICV as well.
nope - you can leave that alone, along with the rubber boot.
Just looked at the PET. For some reason I was remembering it hooked up to the <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym>. My mistake. Sorry!
also, do not let anything touch the <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> wire grid ! they are incredibly fragile. nothing but the spray, and let it dry on it's own, don't shake it or use a blow dryer ( or leaf blower <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> ) to speed the process
mbardeen
Contact RS Barn, they were able to provide with a used <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> to replace mine when it failed last year. MAFs are evidently not used in race cars so he had a few sitting around the shop, perhaps he has a spare screen if your sensor is still good.
I'll do that Chris, thanks for the good idea!
I think I can handle that project. Thanks for the elaboration. Next up, the O2 sensor...
[quote name='Chris Vais' timestamp='1340126543' post='128328']
MAFs are evidently not used in race cars . . .
[/quote]
A lot of race cars run a speed/density system. Uses manifold pressure, air intake temp, engine rpm, and a volumetric efficiency map to calculate the amount of air entering the engine.
The Volvo and Audi <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> units detailed in other threads here are compatible but have a more restrictive flow straightener on them. The 968 <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> was also used on the RS2 and that is it, so it is an uncommon part.
I have run the Volvo part without any obvious problems and it's good to have one as a spare. The sensor could be migrated to the 968/RS2 housing if the one in the 968 housing goes bad. My flow straighteners are not in great shape but seem to work OK nonetheless.
I'll be curious whether you notice any difference in the way the car drives after applying the <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> cleaner. I've done it to my entire fleet of cars, and have never noticed any difference, but I still think it's a good preventive thing to do.
[quote name='Cloud9...68' timestamp='1340227925' post='128352']
I've done it to my entire fleet of cars, and have never noticed any difference, but I still think it's a good preventive thing to do.
[/quote]
same experience here, and , same reason for cleaning it <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.png" class="smilie" alt="" />
I did mine last week, and I noticed that I have about a fluid ounce less of <acronym title='mass air flow'>MAF</acronym> cleaner. Otherwise, no difference.