Unethical way to clean an MAF?

[Falcon_LS]

I need to clean the MAF sensor on my Merc, but as with many things, an MAF specific cleaner isn't available because there is no demand for it. CRC doesn't have it, and neither does Liqui-Moly, both of which have a cleaner specifically made for MAF sensors.

I tested the MAF's signal voltage, which should read in the 0.6V to 0.75V range. Anything over 0.75V points to a contaminated or faulty MAF, and mine was reading 0.89V.

I cleaned it up with electrical contact cleaner, after which it went up to 0.94V, so that made matters even worse. Reading on the Crown Vic forums, someone suggests using carburetor cleaner followed by electrical contact cleaner. Apparently his voltage was 0.85V and "electrical contact cleaner does nothing". But after cleaning it with carburetor cleaner and electrical contact cleaner, his reading dropped to 0.6V.

I'm tempted to try this, but am worried the oil left behind by the carburetor cleaner may foul the MAF in a way similar to over oiling a K&N filter. So I was wondering if electrical contact cleaner really would remove all the oil left behind, and if throttle body cleaner can be substituted.

On another note, would rubbing alcohol clean an MAF sensor? I'm thinking about filling a big sandwich bag with the stuff, and throwing the sensor in for a few minutes to let it soak. Thanks!

 

[Kuato]

I would think that a "sensor safe, no residue" cleaner is what you're looking for. Can't recommend a brand but I've seen them.

 

[Silk]

MAF cleaner is just carb cleaner with a new paint job - most say MAF/Carb cleaner.

 

[David S.]

In a pinch could brake cleaner be used to clean a MAF...?

 

[229]

You can clean it with the petroleum products but they leave a residue. Final cleaning should be with MAF or electrical parts cleaner. If the voltage does not come down then replace it with a Motorcraft.

 

[walk23]

CRC MAF at AAP. Just bought some a few days ago.

 

[WishIhadatruck]

My guess is that the elec. cleaner would clean off any carb cleaner residue. No guarantees.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: walk23
CRC MAF at AAP. Just bought some a few days ago.


The OP lives in Kuwait. Procurement may be a little more problematic for him.

 

[Popinski]

I think electrical cleaner is the same stuff as MAF cleaner...

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

'Unethical'?

Maybe unconventional, but certainly not unethical!

 

[crw]

Right... when I saw unethical, I thought you were about to sacrifice a few cute furry dogs or something like that.

 

[Radman]

Everytime I change my air filter I hose down my MAF with "GumOut". I have been doing this for decades and it keeps throttle response crisp, and fuel milage high.

Now if I was to think about violating ethics I could use the fur of small animals. I suppose a puppy dogs tail could work in a pinch.

 

[440Magnum]

a MAF is just a hot-wire anemometer by another name. Cleaning it with carburetor cleaner to dissolve the gunk, followed by CHLORINATED brake cleaner (the good old fashioned red-can CRC Brakleen, for example) to remove all the hydrocarbon residue should be perfectly safe. If that doesn't fix it, then it needed replacing anyway.

One caveat- keep the carburetor cleaner off of the plastic parts- it might soften or distort them.

 

[Jeff_in_VABch]

440 Magnum, perfect answer.

The old Nissan MAFs were a spring loaded vane that used a potentiometer. Those were a joke and they failed constantly too.

 

[ffhdriver]

I think the OP's first language is probably not English and unethical for him is a good way to phrase it.

 

[mechtech2]

Contact cleaner is likely to have residue. It will say it leaves no residue, but also states it leaves a protective coating!

Brake cleaner is a good second choice to real MAF cleaner.
Common drugstore rubbing alcohol [70% with water] could work.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for all the info!

As for the term "unethical", I just couldn't find the right word to use. Then again, maybe it is "unethical" to torture the poor sensor with harsh chemicals!

 

[hattaresguy]

Any electronic cleaner will work.

 

[oggb]

I've used brake cleaner to clean my MAF before on my WRX - it worked OK.

 

[Popinski]

Anyone will tell you that Brake Cleaner and Carb Cleaner is the worst way to clean a MAF sensor or anything electrical.