[V6-12v] Check/clean those MAF sensors - NO CARB CLEANER???

[David.Ullrich at ferguson.com]

I, too, was warned that Carb cleaner is too harsh for electronics like MAFs and ISVs. It was suggested that I use spray throttle body cleaner which is less harsh and still cut through the crud on my ISV like a not knife through butter. It was obvious that the ISV had never been cleaned or replaced and now looks like new...

Dave

1987.5 Audi Coupe GT "Special Build" 2.3 - Anthracite Black
1998 VW Passat GLS 1.8T - For Sale CHEAP


-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Simoes [mailto:dans at audifans.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 2:00 PM
To: Mihnea Cotet
Cc: Joel Lenorovitz; quattro at audifans.com; v6-12v at audifans.com;
conner at cfm.Ohio-State.edu; mancubus99 at hotmail.com;
damien_gaboury at uqac.uquebec.ca
Subject: Re: [V6-12v] Check/clean those MAF sensors - NO CARB CLEANER???


Mihnea Cotet wrote:
>
> At 13:16 7/05/2002 -0400, Dan Simoes wrote:
> >Carb cleaner will very likely kill your MAF.  I wouldn't do it.
> >If anything, put the MAF in a baggie with alcohol and swish it around
> >for a bit.
>
> Dan, could you give us a more scientifical explanation for the reason carb
> cleaner would kill a MAF, please? I did once and it didn't seem to hurt so
> I'd sure like to know how dangerous it actually is...

My mechanic has advised that carb cleaner is very strong/abrasive and
should not be used to clean electrical sensors like MAFs and idle
stabilizer valves (ISVs).

Do a google search, several pages warn about using carb cleaner on MAFs,
others recommend it.  I'd stay away from it, personally.