MAF cleaning

[auditude]

However, there is no voltage measurable at the MAF connector after ignition.

Hi,

Maybe there's something wrong with yours, or you missed it. It's only for a second, and apparently there a different terminal for the burn-off function than the regular one. I haven't tested mine like you apparently have.

Here's a way to test this function:

http://s2central.net/ds_G70.html#Burn-Off

Here's a cool little movie clip of the burn-off taking place:

http://s2central.net/ds_G70_burnoff.html

This burn-off function seems to be pretty standard for MAF sensors for different makes.

http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/oct98/techtips.htm

http://bmwe32.student.utwente.nl/sean750/MAF_v12/MAFtroubleshooting.htm

[Kodiak]

Just cleaned my MAF, and the car is running smoother now. The major stuttering problem I had -- the motor violently cutting in and out under big loads -- is now much less violent and prevalent. Still there, though. I'm going to do a boost leak test soon.

Anyway, here are some pics of my cleaning the MAF, in case anyone else finds them useful. My car is a '96 S6, but I think the procedure is exactly the same for all the I5 turbo engines.

Credit goes in part to the helpful folks in this forum, without whom I'd never have been able to do this.

The pictures show my soaking the MAF in alcohol, which I did for about 20 minutes. I wasn't satisfied with the result, so I GENTLY sprayed the entire inside of the MAF with brake cleaner, being careful to not depress the spray nozzle too much and risk damaging the wire. I managed to do this without damaging anything, and LOTS of stuff came off with the spray cleaner that didn't come off with the soaking.

The pics don't show that I undid four Philips-head screws so I could bend the heat shield out of the way a bit to get at the inboard allen bolt. With better tools, that might not have been necessary, and I've noticed that many other S-line cars don't have this shield, so your mileage may vary.

[4WheelDrifter]

Nice one.
Don't forget to leave out the screen downstream of the MAF, the turbo side. I think it has the equivalent flow of the RS2 item then. Well, I did it to mine anyway.

[Kodiak]

Nice one.
Don't forget to leave out the screen downstream of the MAF, the turbo side. I think it has the equivalent flow of the RS2 item then. Well, I did it to mine anyway.

Hmm, logically I guess that downstream screen doesn't need to be there, but will removing it really make any kind of difference? How much fuel's in the tank or the alignment of Venus would probably affect performance more, I'd think.

[fendent]

I've written a small PDF (139k) some time ago. It includes a exploded view of it. Anyone interested please send me you E-Mail address.

[GeorgeS2UK]

Cleaned the MAF this PM and removed the wire mesh from the turbo side, cleaned 3B flat filter and out for a test drive. Things feel smoother, but the biggest difference is the DV (recirculation valve) distincly more active on throttle lift off, I guess air intake has improved and turbo is spinning up quicker ,

Any thoughts
.

[s2munckton]

This was the best thing i have ever tried on my car. The increase in performance and the increase of fuel economy was totally unexpected. My car was dumping the boost every once in a while and this process seems to have fixed it! Even though i ran into a few problems - like dropping screws into the dark depths of the engine - WELL WORTH IT

[Bowlerwell]

I soaked mine for about 30 mins in IPA from Maplin. It did the trick.

I Think I have pics too. If you PM me, i'll get some sent to you.

JB

[Ski]

Mine needs to be cleaned around twice a year. is this because its old or because im using a open filter? or both?

[SilverSquirrel]

i just bought a can of CRC MAF cleaner. Works well on my 7a cq. mileage went up about 10%!

I also treated all the harness contacts with deoxit progold. good stuff. pricey, but what isnt for these cars?

[Ian Simmonds]

Been trying to get hold of some Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to give my MAF a bath... Problem is, I've been to several Chemists this weekend (I've one more independent to try tomorrow) but they all say the same thing. We don't sell it any more because it can be used by budding terrorists.

Is there anything else to substitute IPA in a MAF bathtub? Or have I got to change my name and start acting suspiciously before someone offers me 2,000 litres of the stuff and a Yard of fertiliser.

[Jas11n]

I never got the terrorist speel when I went to get some for my brothers Maf clean, all I got was the accusation of wanting to drink it Yeah, as if
Get some from Maplins?

[Ian Simmonds]

I've got some Ambersil LO30 Low Odor Solvent here in an Aerosol, looks like the same stuff... Any thoughts?

[Jas11n]

As long as it has no dye in it like the purple hue of say meths, and it won't leave any residue behind, then I'd say it would be ok.
Test it on some of the plastic surround first though, as some solvents melt plastic.

Jas..

[Ian Simmonds]

Thanks Jas.. It's plastic safe okay, I've used it for all manner of horrors in the house and the car. It's also got no pigmentation.

I'll give it a bash tomorrow.

Might just be ordering a paper air filter tomorrow too....