MAF sensor screen

Victory Red · January 21, 2002

So what is the concensus here on removing the screen from the stock MAF sensor? Has anyone done this? And if so, have you had any problems with the way the truck runs.

I especially want to hear from the boys who have K&N drop-in filters, FIPK's, Airaid's, Volant's, etc... It seems as though the screen in the MAF sensor gets pretty dirty REAL quick using these high flow air systems and filters. Also, these type systems use an oil soaked filter, which is part of the problem.

Who's got some experience with dirty MAF sensors? What kind of performance loss do they exhibit when they are dirty or defective? This is the first vehicle I've ever owned with a MAF, so I'm a bit of a rookie when it comes to diagnosing this thing.

Shaners · January 21, 2002

Considering what a mass airflow sensor costs, I'll leave mine alone.

I've never looked at a Granatelli or other aftermarket MAF sensor to see if they have a screen too...

They (GM) may have put that screen there so the "squirrels" can't get out through the intake/airbox. ???

LarryE · January 21, 2002

its not worth it, it may give you a little boost for a few days but then the computer will re-calibrate the system

96 Vortec · January 22, 2002

I'm with Shaners on this one. Not gonna touch it.

I've heard that there are small gains to be had but, at such a high risk, well, good luck.

I do know how they work, and if you touch the wires that are the heating elements, you get the pleasure of purchasing a new MAF.

gandolphxx · January 22, 2002

I have [had] one - not impressed - Whipple suggested the stock with screen - that is what I am using - probably will sell at distress. If there was a gain I never felt it.

Victory Red · January 22, 2002

I appreciate the input guys, but I'm not trying to gain any HP by asking these questions. I just want to know what the thing does when it's got a really dirty screen. How would you clean it without hurting the tiny little sensors inside. Have any of you with cold air systems, (who have had them a long time) have any problem with the screen getting dirty from the poorer filtration these systems offer. K&N filters, FIPKs, Volants, and the like, flow better for sure. But IMO, they allow more trash and dirt past the filter in order to achieve this higher flow.

I just installed a Volant system a few weeks ago, and I had a K&N drop-in before that. The stock air filter was only in the truck maybe the first week I had it, so I don't know how dirty the screen would have got if I had done nothing to the intake system. The truck runs great. I only bring this up, because I noticed the dirt when installing the Volant system. I guess it's possible the screen would look the same if I still had the stock filter installed. Who knows?

Then again, if it's going to let all the squirrels out...... forgetaboutit!

gandolphxx · January 23, 2002

You should be able to swab it from the input side - screen side - just don't touch the funny little wires.

RedDog · January 23, 2002

If your MAF goes bad, the check engine light will come on. My light came on and the truck would start up and then die. It would have a erractic idle to it at first and then smooth out.

I "guessed" that the stock MAF was bad.. I put the Granatelli MAF in, and within 20 minutes of driving the check engine light went out. Truck started up fine, and no restarting of the motor either. Idle was smooth too.

RedDog

SirLanchelot · January 23, 2002

Ok, now I am getting concerned. I put the K&N after a couple hundred miles since my previous experience in a Grand Prix was positive. Although it had a MAP sensor instead.

Main reason for purchase was for greater airflow so I hope I'm not trading that for eventual MAF problems due to extra dirt etc...

I've heard a couple people say they removed the K&N and and went back to stock. They claim the K&N caused their MAF problems. ???

GREGGO · January 23, 2002

Maf screen removal info

Here is some info, pros and cons of this mod. I myself am having no problems to speak of as far as getting dirty. You can clean them with electrical contact cleaner.

Victory Red · January 23, 2002

Thanks for the links you guys. I will have to read over this tonight as I am big time late for work right now. Slept late again.

NewbieZ71 · January 23, 2002

HA! But not late enough to stay out of here and not post!!!! Another addicted soul.............

Victory Red · January 24, 2002

HA! But not late enough to stay out of here and not post!!!! Another addicted soul.............

OH YEA! I ALWAYS have time to pop in here in the mornings. Just can't seem to pull myself away from this computer and go to work is all.

Good thing for me the boss has a Ford, so he probably doesn't hang around in here with us GM guys, or else I'd be BUSTED!!!

Victory Red · January 24, 2002

OK, somebody posted a few links yesterday in this thread, and now they are GONE. I am talking about this link...

http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox/tips/maf/maf-screen.htm

This is a very good article and should have not been pulled off this site. What gives?

Anyhow, now I know what I need to know about this whole MAF deal. I would suggest to anyone thinking about it, to leave your screen IN, unless your engine is heavily modified (at least that is what I got out of reading the above article). I was never thinking of removing it in the first place, but mainly wanted to know what happens when it's dirty. And knowing how it works, was a big help too. I think I will try to clean it from the inside out (without getting the wires damaged), and see how it works out. I think this is the cause of my rough idle in the mornings. I have spoken to Jim Harrson at HyperTech about this, since I have the PowerProgrammer mods installed too. He said they have never heard of any problem like mine being caused by their products (the rough morning idle).

Like I said before, I had the K&N drop in filter from almost day one of owning the truck, so now, after 8K miles, I install the Volant air box and scoop, and it also has a K&N type oil soaked filter. Now with 8,500 miles on the truck (and MAF), I think the dirt is starting to effect the running of the engine. When I installed the Volant air box, the only thing I did to the MAF was wipe my finger across the air box side of the screen and sorta brush off the dirt that was there. It was greasy, like oil from the K&N filters. I like the way the truck performs with all the mods I've done so far, and I doubt I will go back to the stock air box and filter setup. So I guess cleaning the MAF is worth a try for now. I'll post back after I see if it cures my rough morning idle problems.

Victory Red · January 24, 2002

Sorry, my mistake. :blush:

I was thinking of a link posted by another forum. That link was in the link posted here, so sorry if I jumped the gun GMTC. My fault for not paying attention. Then again, it was early this mornig, when I was late for work, and I wasn't even awake yet.