I took this "screen" out of my MAF a couple weeks ago

[shane96ranger]

As it states above, I took this screen out. It runs fine, but I was wondering if in the long run it would cause any ill effects? This used to be a common part to take out of the 87-93 5.0 Mustang, and didn't cause any grief. Are there any MAF upgrades for the 4.0?

 

[RangerSVT]

It's designed to keep large particles from entering both the MAF and the engine, which can cause serious damage...There is hardly any restriction there, not enough to offset the risk of major engine damage...
SVT

 

[Grey_04]

i agree with svt on this one, if it was me i'd put it back in it isn't worth blowing a motor over.

 

[Yellowsplash]

It's to help straighten the air before it flows through the MAF. It isn't necessarily needed. Any aftermarket MAF won't have this.

There are a few manufacturers who have made larger MAF sensors for 4.0s like proflow technologies, pro-m, granatelli and jet. I personally have used a proflow unit. Larger isn't always better as its ability to measure smaller amounts of air such as at idle can be affected, which can cause drivability issues and even cause the check engine light to come on (maf voltage to low). For most people the factory MAF will flow more then enough for their needs.

 

[shane96ranger]

It isn't necessarily needed. Any aftermarket MAF won't have this.

That's why I was wondering. I have a 73mm C&L in my Mustang which does not have anything like that. I just figured anything that can make it through the air filter will for sure make it through this thing, so why put it back in? I don't know that it made a difference at all, so maybe I'll just put it back in.

 

[stx4.0]

The air has to come thru the filter before going thru the MAF sensor so I dont see how the screen is there to keep large particles out..unless your not running a filter??

 

[RangerSVT]

It's there for added protection...What, you've never seen a filter tear
SVT

 

[RollinWOT]

as long as you have a good wire mesh filter like a K&N it shouldnt be needed

 

[dragonranger]

I have seen mice get into the filter housing and chewed through the filter,the only thing that prevented the nesting material from getting into the engine was that filter screen.

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Might as well put it back in, its too small to really make a difference in air flow, and might save your engine one day.

On other cars, this screen is much thicker, but its there to straighten the air flow in order for the MAF to function properly. This screen cant straighten crap haha, looks like its there just to stop small things from flying in, or your hands from accidentally touching the MAF wires.

 

[shane96ranger]

I don't use paper filters anymore, and I've never seen one tear. It has an Accel Kool Blue filter in it. It looks just like a K&N but blue. I'll put it back in when I clean my filter this week.

 

[stx4.0]

Nope,never in my life seen one tear.Would have to be really cheap made to do so.Have seen some chewed by mice a little but not all the way thru.

 

[feellnfroggy]

The screen is twofold purpose, like said above keeping large particles our of the engine, but also to prevent damage to the little wires that are inside the MAF. These wires are extremely sensative and fragile. without them the MAF is worthless, and so is your gas mileage. the wires heat up and measure temp drop as air flows over them. This is how it reads airflow which regulates fuel flow. You dont want damage to these.