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Cleaning the MAF's

Discussion in '348/355' started by dertizjos, Jan 2, 2012.

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  1. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #1 dertizjos, Jan 2, 2012
    Would someone be so kind to explain how and what you need to clean in the MAF? I have been having a slight idle surging issue. I have done almost everything I can think of and have read to do.

    I keep reading about "cleaning" the MAF's. What and how do you do this? I understand I need to use the right cleaner but do not want to screw it up. I have searched the site and read alot but cannot find the details. I have alot of automotive knowledge and experience but am very very much a novice when it comes to computerized cars and just learned, I think, what the MAF is.

    Thanks
     
  2. m5guy

    m5guy Formula 3

    Aug 17, 2008
    1,627
    Ventura, CA.
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    Greg
    #2 m5guy, Jan 2, 2012
    MAF = mass airflow meter. I don't know if the 348 models actually have a MAF or a speed density meter though. If it is a MAF, you can purchase a special MAF cleaning spray made by Wurth or CRC from most auto parts stores.
     
  3. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #3 dertizjos, Jan 2, 2012
    Thanks. Mass Air Flow Sensors. I have the MAF cleaner, I just am not sure what to clean. Do I take it apart and spray the inside? I know to some I must sound like a real idiot but I am just learning to tinker with these types of cars. Give me a carburator and I am right at home.....give me a fuel injector and I am on Mars looking for a pay phone!!!!!!

    Thanks for the patience.
     
  4. m5guy

    m5guy Formula 3

    Aug 17, 2008
    1,627
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    Greg
    #4 m5guy, Jan 2, 2012
    I just did a quick search to learn about the 348. (I have a 355.) Looks like you do have a Bosch MAF. You should be able to carefully remove the screen, then with a degree of precision spray the cleaner over the top of the sensor inside the body of the MAF. Clean off the screen separately and then re-install.

    The idea behind cleaning a MAF sensor is that over time, little bits of dirt and crud cake the sensor, leading to an inaccurate airflow readings (measured as voltage draw by the sensor.)
     
  5. pnicholasen

    pnicholasen Formula 3

    Jan 14, 2011
    1,364
    South of Philly
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    Paul Nicholasen
    #5 pnicholasen, Jan 3, 2012
    There are also several threads on here about setting the resistance value on the MAF's to spec. If you haven't done that, you might consider it. It's pretty easy if you have a digital multimeter.
     
  6. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #6 dertizjos, Jan 3, 2012
    Ok. So...looking at the MAF, I would unscrew the black cover and spray cleaner on the electicals inside? Where is the screen located? I must be losing it!!!!!!!
     
  7. jasperd

    jasperd Karting

    Sep 25, 2011
    206
    The Netherlands
    #7 jasperd, Jan 3, 2012
    No,

    Do not open the electrical part (screws), You can remove the two screens on each MAF with a tiny screwdriver and remove the large metal ring. Then pull out the metal ring and screens.
    After that spray the wires with MAF-cleaner. DO NOT touch the wires! (three of them).

    Then clean the screens with brake cleaner etc. After they are cleaned put the in the MAf again. And you are good to go.

    After cleaning set the values of the MAF again to stock (pin 1 and 6), 383 ohm.

    Greets Jasper
     
  8. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #8 dertizjos, Jan 3, 2012
    When you refer to screens, are there screens in the intake ducts that go from the air box to the manifold? Are the screens inside there when the hose clamps are removed?
     
  9. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,611
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    #9 ernie, Jan 3, 2012
    You can buy mass air flow sensor cleaner at the auto parts store. You will need to completely remove the maf from the airbox and the tb tubing. What you are cleaning is the inside of the maf hole (that sounds nasty :D). There is a fine wire inside that reads the air. Though the wire is "self cleaning". After shutdown it's supposed to heat up to burn off any residue. But that doesn't mean the rest of the inside stays clean. What really gets dirty are the screens on the front and back of the maf openings. I suggest you remove those and clean them separately. You don't want all that dirt getting inside the maf. Then with the screens off spray the inside.

    You can see what I'm talking about better here http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346701&page=6
     
  10. GerryD

    GerryD Formula 3

    May 5, 2010
    2,438
    North of TO
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    Guido
    #10 GerryD, Jan 3, 2012
    Yes.
     
  11. jasperd

    jasperd Karting

    Sep 25, 2011
    206
    The Netherlands
    #11 jasperd, Jan 3, 2012
    amen, The screens / mesh in the airintake (before AND after the heated wires). A MAF works by heating up a wire to a certain temperature and the rate at which it needs to heat it up is air flow..
     
  12. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
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    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    #12 PAP 348, Jan 3, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #13 dertizjos, Jan 3, 2012
    Awsesome pics and advice guys. WOW!!!!! So.... I will remove the MAF from the TB. Remove the screens and clean them. And then I assume I just spray the entire inside of the area with the tiny wire and let it dry out. Of course bieng careful not to injure that wire.

    Am I on track for the actual cleaning process?

    THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  14. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 19, 2001
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    #14 ernie, Jan 3, 2012
    Yup.

    Just make sure you use the maf cleaner for the inside, and what ever you like for the screens.
     
  15. dertizjos

    dertizjos Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2011
    453
    New Jersey
    #15 dertizjos, Jan 3, 2012
    I huge thank you to everyone. I will give it shot this weekend. THANK YOU!!!!!!!
     
  16. 355rockit

    355rockit Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2010
    892
    San Marcos, CA
    Full Name:
    Vas
    #16 355rockit, Jan 3, 2012
    In the link there was talk of removing the MAF screens to decrease air turbulance and increase air-flow. What are the negatives to leavng the screens off since the air filter already prevents debris from entering the system. I was going to clean my MAFs and may keep the screens removed.
     
  17. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,316
    Palos Verdes
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    Vince V
    #17 vvassallo, Jan 3, 2012
    Some of us have left them off. So far, no issues in 4 years.

    The risks are that something will damage or contaminate the wires, usually from the engine side. Hasn't happened and I know of no one who has had an issue.

    Leave them off.
     
  18. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
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    The Bad Guy
    #18 ernie, Jan 4, 2012
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2012
    There is a chance that the sensing wire can get damaged, but I have yet to hear of that happening. My screens are completely removed.
     
  19. Saint Bastage

    Saint Bastage F1 Rookie

    Jun 1, 2007
    2,548
    Connecticut
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    Lane
    #19 Saint Bastage, Jan 4, 2012
    While I understand the desire to extract HP, I don't see the need for leaving them off. Sure the airflow will be slightly better but can you can feel it in the seat? I say leave them on. I'd rather lose 2 hp than accidentally stick a finger in there costing me a replacement MAF. I'm betting those aren't cheap.
     
  20. 355rockit

    355rockit Formula Junior

    Dec 1, 2010
    892
    San Marcos, CA
    Full Name:
    Vas
    #20 355rockit, Jan 4, 2012
    Replacement Ferrari part is ~$1400 and for a 3rd party (via eBay) is $90. If I cannot feel it by butt dyno, I most likely will leave them on.

    Anybody have experience with these 3rd party units?

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/FERRARI-F355-456GT-F50-VOLVO-SAAB-MAF-MASS-AIR-FLOW-SENSOR-0280-213-012-154916-/320775072493?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4aafaf2aed
     

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