Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo!

Niche Market · 28-01-2006, 17:53

My 4x4 Octy 1.8t (39K) has been running like a dog, and then last week, engine management warning light comes on, struggles to start in the morning, and then sometimes, when re-starting after the engine was warm, would 'idle' at 2000rpm.

A quick search on the web pointed at the MAF sensor, so I thought I'd whip it out and wipe it (ooh err missus). Got a T20 security driver and some contact cleaner today, whipped it out (make sure you let it cool down first!), gave it 2 or 3 squirts with contact cleaner into the aperture at the end where you can see the platinum thingy, and while it was drying, disconnected the battery for 10 minutes or so.

Hey presto, slipped it back in, battery on, no warning light, starts cleanly so took it for a little spin. Engine seems quieter, idle perfect, flat spots gone, and I think, though I'm not sure yet, it's a bit more economical.

Fantastic! Just got to wait for my OBD cable now to look at the error codes re: ESP light stuck on.

pietch · 29-01-2006, 10:14

Wow! Where did you get the T20 driver from and how much has MPG improved?

MC Bodge · 29-01-2006, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niche Market

Got a T20 security driver and some contact cleaner today, whipped it out

Are you sure? Having read that, I've just bought a set of security Torx sockets and myT20 is too small and the T27 is too big...

Niche Market · 29-01-2006, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC Bodge

Are you sure? Having read that, I've just bought a set of security Torx sockets and myT20 is too small and the T27 is too big...

Just double checked, definately T20 security driver on my '51 plate 4x4. May be different on your MY or VRS generally? Anyway I bought a set from Halfords (3/8" drive).

Will report back on fuel economy after my commute to work in the morning.

MC Bodge · 29-01-2006, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niche Market

Just double checked, definately T20 security driver on my '51 plate 4x4. May be different on your MY or VRS generally? Anyway I bought a set from Halfords (3/8" drive).

Cheers. That sounds like exactly the same set I bought!
They must have fitted some strangely sized ones to mine....

Niche Market · 29-01-2006, 17:19

Seems a bit odd, but maybe the VRS has a different induction kit?

***DGW*** · 29-01-2006, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC Bodge

Cheers. That sounds like exactly the same set I bought!
They must have fitted some strangely sized ones to mine....

Are your Torx bits definitely security ones, ie with a hole in the middle? If not they won't fit.

MC Bodge · 29-01-2006, 17:31

Yes, I know the difference. I've had a set of the normal ones for years.

Doubting myself, I tried again earlier, but there's no way that the T20 will fit the MAF bolts.

***DGW*** · 29-01-2006, 17:35

Just had a look at a previous post of mine about the MAF. I used a T20-H star bit.

MC Bodge · 29-01-2006, 17:58

What is the difference between a T20 tamper-proof and a T20-H?

***DGW*** · 29-01-2006, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC Bodge

What is the difference between a T20 tamper-proof and a T20-H?

Pass. I have a tamperproof bit set and the latter is what is engraved on the bit I use. Have a read of this thread where one of our resident experts advises that the MAF screw is a Ribe screw.

bk1 · 30-01-2006, 10:10

I think that older MAFs had 6-star security torx and newer might have 5-star.

Joel_vRS · 30-01-2006, 13:13

i just done mine.... made no diffrence to my problem...

Joel

Goochie · 30-01-2006, 13:20

Joel, take the car for a thrash, then when you return, leave the engine running, lift the bonnet and listen for any hissing noises - I had a split hose under the small front engine cover that I've replaced. I thought I had a failing MAF but in the end it was a £10 hose.

28-01-2006, 17:53	#1
Niche Market Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! My 4x4 Octy 1.8t (39K) has been running like a dog, and then last week, engine management warning light comes on, struggles to start in the morning, and then sometimes, when re-starting after the engine was warm, would 'idle' at 2000rpm. A quick search on the web pointed at the MAF sensor, so I thought I'd whip it out and wipe it (ooh err missus). Got a T20 security driver and some contact cleaner today, whipped it out (make sure you let it cool down first!), gave it 2 or 3 squirts with contact cleaner into the aperture at the end where you can see the platinum thingy, and while it was drying, disconnected the battery for 10 minutes or so. Hey presto, slipped it back in, battery on, no warning light, starts cleanly so took it for a little spin. Engine seems quieter, idle perfect, flat spots gone, and I think, though I'm not sure yet, it's a bit more economical. Fantastic! Just got to wait for my OBD cable now to look at the error codes re: ESP light stuck on. Last edited by Niche Market; 28-01-2006 at 18:03.

29-01-2006, 10:14	#2
pietch Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 242 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! Wow! Where did you get the T20 driver from and how much has MPG improved?

29-01-2006, 17:19	#6
Niche Market Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! Seems a bit odd, but maybe the VRS has a different induction kit?

29-01-2006, 17:31	#8
MC Bodge Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North West England Posts: 899 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! Yes, I know the difference. I've had a set of the normal ones for years. Doubting myself, I tried again earlier, but there's no way that the T20 will fit the MAF bolts. __________________ Mk1 Octavia vRS. The thinking man's Hot Hatch. PS. Give Cyclists Room! We're quite vulnerable. If I can slap your window, you're too close

29-01-2006, 17:35	#9
*DGW* BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Cambridgeshire Posts: 17,135 Thanks: 49 Thanked 173 Times in 130 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! Just had a look at a previous post of mine about the MAF. I used a T20-H star bit. __________________ Denis 2002 Octavia 1.8T 4X4 turbo Estate - rebreathed on by Jabba ... 31.93mpg 2007 Fabia vRS - CC, ESP and full leather trim by Seat Surgeons ...48.09 mpg... Last edited by DGW; 29-01-2006 at 17:57.

29-01-2006, 17:58	#10
MC Bodge Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North West England Posts: 899 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! What is the difference between a T20 tamper-proof and a T20-H? __________________ Mk1 Octavia vRS. The thinking man's Hot Hatch. PS. Give Cyclists Room! We're quite vulnerable. If I can slap your window, you're too close

30-01-2006, 10:10	#12
bk1 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: UK - SouthEast Posts: 251 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! I think that older MAFs had 6-star security torx and newer might have 5-star.

30-01-2006, 13:13	#13
Joel_vRS Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Peterborough Posts: 1,658 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! i just done mine.... made no diffrence to my problem... Joel __________________ Everyday car: Pimp Black Skoda Octavia VRS, 230bhp, 250lb custom remap, blueflame stainless exhaust, lowered, Hyperboost Dump Valve, ABD tip. 1/4mile in 14.99 secs Project Car: Vintage Mk2 Golf, to be turned in to a 1/4 mile beast, 1.8T 20v engine conversion! Watch this space!!!!

30-01-2006, 13:20	#14
Goochie Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Up a tree. Posts: 12,376 Thanks: 7 Thanked 28 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Cleaned my MAF - woo hoo! Joel, take the car for a thrash, then when you return, leave the engine running, lift the bonnet and listen for any hissing noises - I had a split hose under the small front engine cover that I've replaced. I thought I had a failing MAF but in the end it was a £10 hose.

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