Super confused noob - S13 being weird :-/

[h3avy.t]

Hi Guys

Location- Australia

So I was driving my 94 180SX (sr20det) on a long journey in about 37c heat, randomly the car would splutter and start to die (like a Maf issue), I pulled over, cleaned the Maf with brake cleaner and was on my way again, 30km and the same thing happens. Finally got the car to destination after 4 stops like these!

At the destination we clean the pod filter, on the way back 38c heat, car does the same thing. This time I let it die and restart, BINGO car is fine and runs normally??...we get to a petrol pump and my mate pulls the MAF housing (big metal one) and cools it down by running water over the metal part only. Car runs fine for about 150km and begins to show signs of the same issue. I restart and we are good to go?!

Can you please help out, Is it the MAF?! Because restarting the car (even right away) fixes the usual under 3000rpm hesitation issue.

Super confused……currently looking to build a airbox to isolate pod filter and MAF from the engine bay heat.

[FaLKoN240]

Try using another maf.

[Future240]

^Agreed.

I doubt its the heat that killed your maf. Just age. Try another one.

[TheRealSy90]

Also, I believe brake clean is not the best thing to use for cleaning the maf sensor element. I've heard it can damage them and there's a specific spray cleaner for those.

[h3avy.t]

Unfortunately, Mafs are not easy to come by for me but ill look.
I am planning a Nistune in 3 months and getting the car ready for that.
Am I right in saying a Z32 Maf WITHOUT a tune will not let the car run correctly?

[e30gangsta]

Correct you need a tune to run a z32 maf.

[FaLKoN240]

Unfortunately, Mafs are not easy to come by for me but ill look.
I am planning a Nistune in 3 months and getting the car ready for that.
Am I right in saying a Z32 Maf WITHOUT a tune will not let the car run correctly?

Your ECU will not know what to do with that kind of maf on the car.

What kind of air filter element are you running? is it an oiled type? Or dry?

Also, brake clean is too abrasive for a maf sensor. There's a reason they make maf sensor cleaner. You probably killed the sensor.

[Pixel6]

My car had its new computer/ECU finished being put in today, and I’ll be running a new MAP setup. If I can get a plate made up to gap the original distance on the MAF, I might have a good MAF for sale. (Well, I know it’s good... just need to get something to get my filter to convert to the tubing)

Anyhow, if you strike out on finding a MAF locally let me know. Might be able to help. (In the US, 91 Silvia) ��

Once they get it to start so we can do a baseline tune :)

[h3avy.t]

I dont think my MAF is toast - it works fine in normal conditions. Took a 1hr drive on a cool day, not a hint of hesitation?!

Thanks for your help guys, I'll keep an eye out for a goof Maf as a spare to keep in the car in case i can replicate the original conditions!

[h3avy.t]

Still haven't gotten hold of a reliable MAF.

I tested the MAF using a multimeter and the guide on Zilvia, it all checks out?

Now the car bucks/pops/cuts when I accelerate!! Any ideas?

[h3avy.t]

My car had its new computer/ECU finished being put in today, and I’ll be running a new MAP setup. If I can get a plate made up to gap the original distance on the MAF, I might have a good MAF for sale. (Well, I know it’s good... just need to get something to get my filter to convert to the tubing)

Anyhow, if you strike out on finding a MAF locally let me know. Might be able to help. (In the US, 91 Silvia) ��

Once they get it to start so we can do a baseline tune :)

Guys - MAF is still being sorced. I don't think it's the MAF because multimeter values are fine.

Fuel I thought could be an issue. Changing to walbro 255 and new fuel filter....my current filter is super rusty and the sock is all brown.
What do you think I should do?
I REALLY DONT want to pull out and clean the tank :-(

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