Different Kind of MAF Question

[rangerbert]

I have been on this site many times, reading the different problems people have with their Rangers and have read some of the responses. I have a different kind of MAF question regarding the cleaning the MAF. I have read what to use when cleaning the MAF. The cleaner thats specifically for cleaning the MAF. What I want to know is why cant you use electronic contact cleaner the active indgrediants are the same.Any feed back on this would be great.

 

[Bob Ayers]

The electronic contact cleaner will be fine, as long as it doesn't leave any residue (no lubricant in it).

 

[almostclueless]

The sensing wires in a MAF are INCREDIBLY fragile BTW.

 

[Donnie strickland]

I have used regular electronic contact cleaner; it worked well.

 

[Bob Ayers]

The secret is using nothing but the OEM paper air filters, and change them regularly. I've only used Motorcraft, and Purolator air filters, and I've never had to clean my MAF sensor, and my Ranger is getting ready to turn 150K miles! I did pull the MAF sensor at 126K miles, and it was spotless! The throttle body and IAC valve were also very clean!

However, if you are using a K&N air filter, then you will have MAF sensor contamination problems, as well as gummy IAC valves, and throttle bodies.
What people don't realize, the OEM paper filter will flow way more air than the engine will pull, and even though the K&N air filter will flow more air than
the OEM paper filter (just look at a light source through the filter media on the K&N ), the engine will pull the same amount of air! The only thing the K&N will pass more than the OEM paper filter is dirt and oil!

....just my $0.02

 

[Yellowsplash]

Just go to your local Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone and buy CRC's Mass Air Flow Cleaner. Its like $5-6 a can. Its a spray like carb cleaner, but isnt harsh enough to hurt the MAF element.
As far as K&N filters go, theyre personal preference. While it is true that they can allow oil to get into the intake tract, alot of the problems can be associated with the fact that most people dont allow them to dry correctly during the cleaning process before reinstalling them, resulting in the risk of contaminating these sensors. I personally like K&N, and have had one since I've owned my truck, but I also clean my MAF with the same cleaner I mentioned above at every oil change. Only takes a minute. Doing this will keep your truck running top notch.

 

[rangerbert]

thanks everyone for your input on this problem. This is what I'll do for my ranger