maf cleaning
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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maf cleaning
hi. i think that i may have a problem with the maf sensor. 2003 f250 gasoline engine. i was told to use electrical contactor cleaner, that we have in work. is this correct? is it ok to even clean this sensor. thanks alot
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
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From: NW NJ
Yes .... that is exactly the type product to use ...... weak solvent that leaves zero residue, in an alcohol type base.
If you are using liquid, use the same type of swab that you use on the contactors .... completely lint, etc free
You may see marked improvement after cleaning it.
Just curious ... what business are you in that you are servicing contactors?
Good luck.
If you are using liquid, use the same type of swab that you use on the contactors .... completely lint, etc free
You may see marked improvement after cleaning it.
Just curious ... what business are you in that you are servicing contactors?
Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
There are some contact cleaners that leave an oil/wax residue, you want to stay clear of those.
The way the MAF works is by passing a current across them and maintaining a certain temperature. The more current that must flow to keep the temperature, the more air is passing over the wires. Any coatings on them will insulate the wires.
The way the MAF works is by passing a current across them and maintaining a certain temperature. The more current that must flow to keep the temperature, the more air is passing over the wires. Any coatings on them will insulate the wires.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
You can buy CRC MAF sensor cleaner at most major parts stores. I use the CRC to clean my MAF once a year and it works good. Costs around $7 a can and is worth it IMO knowing you have the right stuff for the job. Don't touch the wires and follow the directions on the can.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
From: WV
x3 on the CRC electronic cleaner.
Here's some info I put together for cleaning the MAF sensor....
http://www.frontiernet.net/~jmray/F250MAFclean.htm
Here's some info I put together for cleaning the MAF sensor....
http://www.frontiernet.net/~jmray/F250MAFclean.htm
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I have some brake parts cleaner. Can I use that with the red tube on it ? It is comprised of toulene, alcohol, and acetone. Exactly what does the MAF do? 
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
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From: NW NJ
It measures the mass of the air entering the engine. The density of air changes, so the same volume of air can have different masses.
The truck uses this information to adjust the rate of fuel being injected into the engine ... to get a good fuel/air ratio for combustion.
While I''m sure it gets used, Brake Parts Cleaner is a strong solvent, and I don't know how it reacts with soft plastics. Also, while it is residue free for a brake or clutch system ... it is not good enough for electronics. Also, it is not electrical equipment cleaner you want to use .... but one of the mild electronics cleaner, that states zero residue. Which is what CRC MAF cleaner is, but they include a small amount of a propietary ingredient that they don't explain what it does, or what it is .... they just give it a snappy name to put on the can. So, I don't know. All this is just my 2 cents.
The truck uses this information to adjust the rate of fuel being injected into the engine ... to get a good fuel/air ratio for combustion.
While I''m sure it gets used, Brake Parts Cleaner is a strong solvent, and I don't know how it reacts with soft plastics. Also, while it is residue free for a brake or clutch system ... it is not good enough for electronics. Also, it is not electrical equipment cleaner you want to use .... but one of the mild electronics cleaner, that states zero residue. Which is what CRC MAF cleaner is, but they include a small amount of a propietary ingredient that they don't explain what it does, or what it is .... they just give it a snappy name to put on the can. So, I don't know. All this is just my 2 cents.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
It measures the mass of the air entering the engine. The density of air changes, so the same volume of air can have different masses.
The truck uses this information to adjust the rate of fuel being injected into the engine ... to get a good fuel/air ratio for combustion.
While I''m sure it gets used, Brake Parts Cleaner is a strong solvent, and I don't know how it reacts with soft plastics. Also, while it is residue free for a brake or clutch system ... it is not good enough for electronics. Also, it is not electrical equipment cleaner you want to use .... but one of the mild electronics cleaner, that states zero residue. Which is what CRC MAF cleaner is, but they include a small amount of a propietary ingredient that they don't explain what it does, or what it is .... they just give it a snappy name to put on the can. So, I don't know. All this is just my 2 cents.
The truck uses this information to adjust the rate of fuel being injected into the engine ... to get a good fuel/air ratio for combustion.
While I''m sure it gets used, Brake Parts Cleaner is a strong solvent, and I don't know how it reacts with soft plastics. Also, while it is residue free for a brake or clutch system ... it is not good enough for electronics. Also, it is not electrical equipment cleaner you want to use .... but one of the mild electronics cleaner, that states zero residue. Which is what CRC MAF cleaner is, but they include a small amount of a propietary ingredient that they don't explain what it does, or what it is .... they just give it a snappy name to put on the can. So, I don't know. All this is just my 2 cents.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: NW NJ
But, different densities of air ... which means a different amounts of oxygen available .... does not change the oxygen/air *ratio* in that air. So, the data from the MAF is valid.
But, if you are stating the problem of having varying amounts of oxygen in the same mass of air in different environments ---- that is solved using data from the oxygen sensor(s). The trucks ECM compares the data from the MAF (predicted amount of oxygen) to the O2 sensor (actual amount of oxygen after combustion), and makes adjustments.
Thats what I think anyway.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Your dealing with partial pressures. No matter what our air has 21% oxygen. At sea level 21% of the 14.7psi is O2, so 3.08psi of O2, and per cubic foot there is 0.21cf of O2. At 7psi (I think this is around 10,000 ft) it's still 21% O2 and 1.47psi, but still 0.21cf.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 462
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From: NW NJ
Where the amount of expected oxygen my change, is where there are additional gases, etc in the mixture that is being drawn into the engine's intake system. This is wear the MAF sensor needs help.
