MAF Cleaner Spray - Snake Oil?

[cort1977]

I bought a can of this on a whim a few months ago, possibly whilst in the grip of 'new car' spendiness on my Mercedes as I also have the coolant and ATF that I have not used either.

 

Whilst up to my elbows changing the alternator last weekend (did you know that wagon W210s have a bigger alternator than saloons?   I didn't but it explains why there are none in the scrappers and I had to buy a new one for $280 - bastard) I realized that the MAF was right in front of me as I had taken off the air box.   Two minutes to do the recommended 10-15 sprays, let it dry and apparently all my engine troubles would be solved.

 

I have to say that it seems to have made a difference based on 'driver feel' and other clichés much used in adverts for splitfire spark plugs and other such nonsense.   The scientific check will be from the fuelly app; this car has fairly poor consumption (20 uk mpg) which I am hoping may improve.   Will be a couple of weeks until my next fill up to check.

 

Anyway, opinions on whether this stuff works?   Anyone had it make a difference?   Or did I waste $8.95 + tax?

[Clanger]

I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, or perhaps some beach front property in Arizona if you're interested?

[Pillock]

A hot wire MAF sensor will crud up - it heats a wire, and the air flowing over the wire cools it down which changes the resistance and tells the ECU how much air is flowing. As dust etc hits the hot wire it can coat it gradually.

 

Mondeo Zetecs use this system and I've rescued a "dead" MAF by spraying with brake cleaner. Don't scrub the wire, it'll break it.

 

So no, not snake oil assuming it's the right type.

[twosmoke300]

Worth using if you run a k n type air filter as the oil migrates from the filter and clogs the wires

[hauserplenty]

I have used it to cure hesitation and poor mileage on an Astro van. Brake cleaner can damage MAF sensors so is not recommended.