Cleaning MAF

[riander4]

Hey everyone, my car is idling rough and hesitating at full throttle.
sr20det redtop, 3 inch turbo back exhaust, atmospheric BOV for right now, stock everything else.
I just changed my spark plugs, no difference.
Next I plan on checking my IC pipes for leaks, and cleaning my MAF sensor. Since i am an ultimate newb, i would like some advice on how you guys did this ( I did search )

First off, the MAF is the little box right after my intake, i took it apart after disconecting the battery, but im pretty sure thats not the part you clean, do you disconected the wire going INTO the MAF unit and clean that connection?? If so, how do you suggest going about it?

Second, what do you suggest as the best way to check for leaks in the piping, I can't do it when the car is on obviously because the fan blows air so you can't really tell.
Any info on this is appreciated and i'll update this on how my idling problem is coming along, Also if you have any other ideas on what the matter is feel free to let me know!
Thanks
Ryan :2f2f:

[lazierhobo]

when you clean a maf, you buy the maf cleaning spray, and spray through the center of the black tube, the little box coming off the intake. has very little to do with cleaning the actual plug.

the best way i know to check plumbing is take a propane torch, and open the valve, and move it around your piping, if you hear the idle change then you are near the leak and you can pinpoint it from here.

good luck, but you really need to do a good bit more reading in the future.

[bmx22]

propain that sounds dangerous..you get a squirt bottle fill it with soapy water and spray all coupliers and vacume lines ,just be carefull not to spray any electricals, do this with the car on and watch for bubles....

[250sxdet]

soapy water works just fine

[Pacman]

How would soapy water help help in a leak? I can see where its useful for air leaks coming from a tire or a pressure hose like on air suspensions, but for vacuum leaks or fluid leaks it won't help.

If you have a oil leak: clean the area and put the oil dye in it, run engine and watch for flourescent yellow out of the leak. A black (UV) light helps in seeing the dye. You can get it at auto parts stores, just tell them which you need (engine oil, P/S, etc.).
For vacuum leaks: Get a can or two of brake clean, spray clamped areas, vacuum hoses, brake booster, intake manifold; anything on the intake side that bolts, clamps, or fits on something. If your idle increases, then you can pinpoint where the vacuum leak is. It won't hurt the engine.
Radiator leaks: look for calcium build-up. Nuff said.

Now, cleaning your MAF. You can take either brake clean (shop foreman at my job sprayed with brake clean with no ill effects, don't bitch about me saying use brake clean), electrical contact cleaner, or, some very cheap and plentiful rubber alcohol. Remove the sensor from the housing for best results in cleaning (I believe its two Phillips head screw). CAREFULLY, I repeat, CAREFULLY, take a Q-tip with your poison (stuff to clean with) and GENTLY rub the sensor until the last Q-tip comes clean with rubbing. Make sure the car is in the off position before unplugging the sensor unless you like CELs staring at you. I don't. Best bet to unplug your battery.

Let me know if this helps.

[riander4]

Thanks PACMAN i'll be heading out after work tommorow to buy a can of brake cleaner as that seems to be all I will need haha

[Big Bronze Rim]

Ive had decent luck using CRC's MAF cleaner aerosol, but as Pacman mentioned, you can CAREFULLY clean it with alcohol and a qtip.
http://www.crcindustries.com/auto/content/prod_detail.aspx?PN=05110&S=N

[misfitsfreak81]

yes, be extremely carefull when using a q-tip to clean maf. also propane is a VERY good way to check for leaks and also will not harm the engine. techs have been using that method for many, many years. also if you have access to it, a Smoke Tester is Really the way to go to find leaks in Intake, exhaust, ect.... they may rent them at your local auto parts store. hope this helps