linderpat

Is the MAF supposed to have a screen (and corresponding retaining clip) on both ends? When I pulled mine out (MY 86), it does have the screen on both ends. I replaced the seals in the throttle body (old were baked solid and flat, MAF was very loose in the TB) and now the MAF won't slide back in. Does it need to be forced or should it go in fairly easily? The PET diagram does not show a screen on the TB side of the MAF.

Note - that lower screen was quite dirty in my car, it had bugs on it but from the underside. Don't know how they would have gotten thru the throttle body...

Mike Frye

Mine had them at both ends. I put my finger through the upper one trying to put it in one time and had to get a new one. It is supposed to be a snug fit, just wiggle it. If you've replaced that lower one it will make the proper seal. I used a little dialectric grease to lube it and slip it in.

linderpat

thanks Mike. It seems like it should be a snug fit, considering the dynamics of what is going on in that part of the engine, but man is it tight. Seemed too tight to me. I wonder why the PET diag shows only one screen on the airbox side...

John Speake

Are you quite sure the seal is located OK ? MAF should be snug but not mega force to insert it. Try some grease like Mike suggests.

Yes, there should be a screen on both ends of the MAF.

marton

Silicon spray is also good but only on the rubber seal; be careful not to get any inside the MAF

Marton
& of course tighten up the clip on the seal after the MAF is in place

Kevin Q

Does removing the screens give any measurable power increase? (That is if you don't damage the wire)

ErnestSw

no

John Speake

I wouldn't recommend silicone spray anywhere near an open inlet. It can kill O2 sensors...

linderpat

Thanks for that tip John. It should be okay on the spring mechanism located on the outside of the throttle body I assume?

Daniel Dudley

Hot Rod magazine used to reccomend it for Mustangs and the like, but the hot wire is a super fragile item, and that is the sole purpose of the mesh - protection.

JHowell37

Instead of silicone spray, lube it using WD-40. It will stay wet long enough to put it in, and then dry within a few minutes.

marton

, forgot about that.
All these new fangled gadgets on later 928 models.

Marton

John Speake

I guess so, but keep it away from anywhere is could be ingested into the engine.

morganabowen

When I replaced the one in my S-4, the old one did not have a screen at both ends. The replacement one did have a screen at both ends. It should fit snug but not too tight