What do you guys use for cleaning a MAF sensor?

[AJMBLAZER]

Nope, not on one of my diesels. My buddy's Kia. We have it running decently finally and even fixed the fuel issues the charcoal canister was causing but it stumbles and is throwing a MAF code. Before he spends $150 on it I figured we'd give it a shot at cleaning it out some and see what happens. It's a 98 with the Mazda 1.8L I4 and only 87000 miles. However it's maintenance history is murky and...rather empty.

So what do you guys use to clean out MAF sensors and the like? I'd imagine brake cleaner or something wouldn't be recommended.

 

[dhcomp]

If i had to decide w/o others advice, i would use a throttle body cleaner (Carb cleaner spec'd as safe for TBI, etc systems).

Lets see what others say though.

 

[BoondocK5]

Been doing the Professional wrench turner for a long while, but have been out of it for a while too.
In my experience one should NOT ever clean a MAF sensor as the element inside is damaged by the cleaning chemicals.
Just my $0.02, I always replace.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

What about electrical cleaner?

 

[xCaliK5x]

The brief time I was with VW we had a special MAF cleaner... it didn't work. The old hot wire sensors would self clean by heating it up after the car was shut off to burn stuff off. The hot film sensors like most all made in the last 15 years, do not do this since its a film. Cleaning doesn't work. Best bet is a new one. What car is this for?

 

[AJMBLAZER]

98 Kia Sephia with the Mazda 1.8L.

 

[Kjunky5]

Go to your favorite auto parts store and get a can of MAF cleaner. It says it on the can. I use it when I clean and oil my K&N filter. No problems. Try it out.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

We actually haven't touched it. Drove it several hours today and the light hasn't come back on. Waiting to see what's going on because it still isn't 100% but it's far better than before.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

'

works great

 

[little_t12515]

I used that CRC MAF cleaner this last weekend on my 2000 chevy. It works pretty good and I can deffinately tell a difference.

 

[four_by_ken]

Whats a MAF? And where do I find it on a carb?

Sorry... havent worked on anything new.



Myself... I would replace it. That usually how I tend to do things, something that isnt too expensive... I just replace it.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Well, on their budget, $150 is expensive. Just to get them into two reliably running vehicles I've spent a bit of my money to ensure it.

 

[four_by_ken]

$150, I would try and clean it first. Doesnt work first try.. then replace it!


I would just an electrical contact cleaner.... cause I have it around already.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

That's actually what we did. Just rode in it today and it's running pretty well now.

Cobbled together charcoal canister and a perhaps non-working MAF. It runs though. Oh, and the stereo wires hanging out of the hole in the dash where the radio goes.

Meanwhile his '89 Camry is continuing to vex me. Major oil leak.

 

[four_by_ken]

JB weld it!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

JB weld it!

Uhm, no. Thanks for the suggestion though.


(We did use JB Weld on the charcoal canister though. Good enough?)

 

[four_by_ken]

OK, I will settle for that.



Go Wings!!!

Its game time... later.