Deep Creep

Paulie G · September 26, 2006

So I picked up a can of Deep Creep (the seafoam spray stuff) for $5.99 and decided to clean my throttle body/intake. So I take off the air intake hose, take out the MAF (mass airflow sensor) and unplug it. I get out the deep creep, toothbrush and some towels and proceed to clean the throttle body. Once I get it nice and clean and towel out most of the build-up, I start it up. Started fine, Idled a little high with I think is normal.

I Let the intake suck up the short blasts of deep creep I sprayed at the intake side of the throttle body. I did this for about a 1/2 can, not stalling the engine.

Shut it down, took some carb cleaner and sprayed the MAF at a 45 deg angle trying not soak the little sensors. It was discolored some so I brushed it a lightly.

I never sprayed a 1/2 can in while it wasn't running an let it sit over night.

I took off when I got it back together. I couldn't believe the difference. When It would shift it would set me back in my seat instead of me falling forward because it would hesitate at every shift. I thought this is how it would shift when I got my westers tune. I only saw little improvement there .

My service engine soon light was on and I figured it would clear after a few trips. On about my third trip I couldn't recall pluging the MAF back in. I pulled to the side of the road, popped the hood and sure enough it was unplugged. I plugged it back in and took off.

performance went right back to where it was. Same hesitation during shifts. My Idle did smooth out some.

So what is the deal with this MAF? I can't believe it has this much impact. I wish I could just unplug it and drive it that way. Although the shifting was a bit harsh, but better the feeling like it slows down for every shift. I thought that feeling was torque management, which I had mostly removed with the tune.

Can anyone brief me on the importance of the MAF and how it works in the skeem of things.

Sorry for the length but I wanted to leave a through discription.

Polak · September 26, 2006

X 2

We had the same issue on our 4.3 in the rock crawler. After the engine install it ran like crap, unplugged the MAF, ran like a champ. After the first competition we got a new MAF and it ran fine plugged in.

Paulie G · September 26, 2006

I wouldn't say run like crap...........but for sure beter response without it.

Forgot to mention...... 2001 2500HD CCLB 8.1 w/4.10 running 265/75/R16 with wester's tune

Paulie G · September 30, 2006

would anyone be willing to unplug their MAF and drive around a while. Then let me know if you have similar results?

Nice rig · September 30, 2006

Hmmm....let me think. NO!!

slowpokebanshee · October 1, 2006

hi there, new member, honking my own horn, I am a GM master Tech w/10+ years GM experience......with the MAF sensor unpluigged, the PCM (computer) goes to default mode, it doesn't know what kind of load etc. is placed on the vehicle, so it commands the transmission to maximum line pressure which is why you feel the harsh (high quality, IMO) shifts. I recommend the Superchips Programmer, I have a 4x4 6.0 HD and it made a world of difference, especially after the headers, and flowmaster and 3" pipe. however, I have also seen MAF sensors degrade in performance over time, w/out actually having a scan tool connected when making your WOT (wide open throttle) 1-2 shift I can not say if your MAF is operating correctly, your best bet is to swap it with a known good sensor, try Pep-Boys, Autozone etc. they have fairly leaniant (spelling?) return policies. if you have any other questions feel free to E-mail me

[email protected]

good luck

Paulie G · October 2, 2006

Hmmm....let me think. NO!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the reply/info

GetMore · October 8, 2006

MAF sensors are very sensitive to contamination. A little dirt on them, and the airflow readings will be off. Unplugging the MAF and getting better performance is a good sign that the MAF is bad.

Brushing it probably did not help.

jaslo · October 8, 2006

So how long does the MAF sensor last? Because I had a K&N FIPK on my truck, took it off and I cleaned the maf while I was doing this and put the stock system back on, and it seems I have lost some mpg. Any ideas?

drewtori · October 9, 2006

i thought ide add one sugestion if u go with a programmer i know superchips is really good i like them but Granatelli i fell is a tad better because u can use it forever cause u can download the updates for the programmer instead of buying a new programmer thought ide add a little something good luck.