E420 maf
 

Ive never changed or cleaned my mass air flow meter in my 97 e420, and I think it could be a reason for my sluggish performance recently. I took off the engine/intake cover. and I can see the sensor I just cant figure out how to get it out of there. It sits in a big tube with 2 sensors in it, does this whole thing come out? how?

The sensor is held in by 2 wierd star looking screws, what tool do I need to get these off?

I believe that the unit is connected by a large round rubber hose to the Throttle actuator (which sits down on top of the intake manifold).

It shouldn't be that hard to get out - perhaps loosening a hose clamp would help - look carefully to see if that[s what's holding it in. If the hose is baked to the MAF, you could be in for a very painful removal. Make sure that you buy an extra hose (if that's what's connecting it to the TA) just in case you need to cut it free.

Troy
1995 E420 105k

I was just wanting to clean it off with some spray brake cleaner. Do I even need to remove it from where it is? Or will I screw somthing up If I get any on the throttle actuator, or inside?

Bad idea - the MAF has a VERY thin wire that is heated - probably won't react well to flammable fluids being put on it.

The wire has its own "clean cycle" periodically. After XX number of starts, the wire heats itself up to glowing temps to burn off any crud.

Troy
1995 E420 105k

Don't touch it you are just going to burn it out. Scan the cars computer for codes, if non are present it is probably fine.

What is the problem?

Remember MAF's run about $500.