1.9TD Loss of (turbo) power.

[Yetiman]

Thanks Gatos, the offer is much appreciated

While google'ing the CRC MAF cleaner to try and find a local retailer I did come across a post on a BMW forum where numerous people have just used a normal electrical contact cleaner without any problems but for the sake of a tenner and if driving for a day or two without the MAF connected won't have any detrimental effects, I may aswell order and wait for the proper stuff.

[baldmosher]

Originally Posted by gatos

If you are passing anywhere near Barking

Ironic for a cat!

[gatos]

Originally Posted by baldmosher

Ironic for a cat!

Going undercover.......

+ YouTube Video

[mjb73]

Did you find out what it was?

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by gatos

Some people may disagree with me, but I use Electrical contact cleaner to clean the MAF and haven't had an issue todate.

If you are passing anywhere near Barking, let me know and we can try it on your MAF. I also have a good spare MAF and the Volvo VIDA diagnostic equipment

You can run your car without the MAF for a while with no problems.

Electrical contact spray should be good, IF it is not re-labeled factory circuit board spray, which contains a small amount of soluble varnish to act as an anti corrosive. Also the spray nozzle should not result in a powerful fine jet, which some contact cleaners do.

The only difference I can see between CRC contact cleaner and MAF spray (They are both isopropyl alcohol), is that the propellant for the MAF spray is non flammable.

When a real good Indy garage changes the air filter (Volvo OEM or at least a "Made in Germany" Mann or Bosch), they should vacuum out the housing and oddly enough check the MAF sensor for signs of dirt and spray clean it if required.
I watched a Ford dealer trainee ginger beer last year remove an air filter, turn a high pressure air line on it to blast it clean from the inside and slap it back in without a second thought. The owner then got billed for a new air filter!

Obviously good for business, as they probably get Fords in with failed MAFs caused by split air filters, then clean them up with contact spray and charge for a new unit!
The funny thing is that the trainee was doing the job out back and smoking at the same time, so I can understand how some service center fires get started.

So no smokin on the job!

[Samwell]

I was going to start a new post on this subject but seeing as this one is here already, Ill add to it.

Seems to be the time of year for MAFs! Must be the pollen in the air or something?

My MAF (second genuine (but used) one in 12 months) failed so Ive been driving about for a couple of months with it disconnected. Boost is perfect, MPG was much better. I bought a can of CRC MAF cleaner but it did sod all for me.

This week Ive had a job interview in Gothenburg, 250 miles away (each way), and a mini holiday to thr south/east pf Sweden, a further 250-300 miles, each way. I knew that this was gonna be some hard driving so I bought a brand new MAF but it didnt turn up until tue day after I got back from Gothenburg. So these are my results:

- 250 miles to GTB - Av. 51mpg keeping to speed limits in an empty car, just me driving
- 250 miles back from GTB - Av. 54mpg keeping well below speed limits

*new MAF fitted*

- 250 miles to the south east - Av. 56mpg at speed limits and generally faster roads but with a FULLY loaded car, 2 people, 2 dogs and luggage to the brim

Im still down south east so I will be able to post up my return journey reults next week.

In general, I DO notice that mpg at 70mph, mpg is much better with the new MAF, but lower speeds shows little difference. In all honesty, if I had known this before I might not have bothered with a new MAF at all... but its probably for the best that I did. Shes running sweet and serving me well. Ive got 650 miles on the clock since the last fill up and the lights still not come on yet, but it might be broken because its been in the red for a little while now. The computer said I could do 750miles out of the full tank and I believe thats possible, but Ive made several stops and put my foot down hard to overtake on a number of occassions. Still, 650miles... im certainly not complaining

[Ingleborough]

Before reading this thread I had never heard of a mass air flow sensor and the information I gleaned here, plus watching a couple of youtube videos on how to clean a MAF, has resulted in vastly improved performance from my V40 (though, I have to say, still not quite up to what it once was).

I couldn't get hold of any of the recommended specialist MAF cleaners, so had to make do with Halfords' electrical contacts cleaner. But it did seem to do the job.

Again, many thanks to all who contributed.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by Ingleborough

Before reading this thread I had never heard of a mass air flow sensor and the information I gleaned here, plus watching a couple of youtube videos on how to clean a MAF, has resulted in vastly improved performance from my V40 (though, I have to say, still not quite up to what it once was).

I couldn't get hold of any of the recommended specialist MAF cleaners, so had to make do with Halfords' electrical contacts cleaner. But it did seem to do the job.

Again, many thanks to all who contributed.

CRC MAF (Might list as INTAKE CLEANER) cleaner is only a tenner and can be used as a contact cleaner. If you can afford it, it does make sense to buy a can, unless you can look at the Halfords web site and make sure it is pure alcohol with no traces of varnish present. All it takes is a tiny amount to leave the elements slightly sticky, although I suspect it should be possible by spraying your fingers to see if it does have any residue.

If you still seem down on power, try using a can of top quality direct feed injection cleaner when the fuel filter is next changed and make sure the oil is not turning to tar because it has been used for too long.

[Ingleborough]

Originally Posted by skyship007

CRC MAF (Might list as INTAKE CLEANER) cleaner is only a tenner and can be used as a contact cleaner. If you can afford it, it does make sense to buy a can, unless you can look at the Halfords web site and make sure it is pure alcohol with no traces of varnish present. All it takes is a tiny amount to leave the elements slightly sticky, although I suspect it should be possible by spraying your fingers to see if it does have any residue.

Thanks for this. I've just searched for CRC MAF and found it on eBay for, as you say, £10. My earlier search was to the only car parts supplier left in our area and the guy I spoke to couldn't help me (perhaps I was unlucky in the guy I spoke to), hence my resorting to Halfords' electrical contact cleaner.

I was on the verge of replacing the MAF sensor as it's still causing a problem - I've just had a run out with the MAF sensor disconnected and we went along fine - how it used to be!! - so I feel sure that the MAF is where my problem is.

You think that the Halfords stuff will have gunged up the sensor, yes? There's certainly a problem there - acceleration from a standing start and power on hills were so much better today, with the MAF disconnected, than what I've been used to.

Will try the CRC MAF from eBay and see how things go. I have just done a search for volvo v40 maf sensor and have found a vast disparity in prices - from £27 to £172 - so I'll try the £10 cleaner before entering that minefield!

Thanks again for putting me onto the correct search term :0)

[Alex121]

Originally Posted by Ingleborough

Will try the CRC MAF from eBay and see how things go. I have just done a search for volvo v40 maf sensor and have found a vast disparity in prices - from £27 to £172 - so I'll try the £10 cleaner before entering that minefield!

Thanks again for putting me onto the correct search term :0)

They retail at £305.40 new from Volvo!