Better MPGs following MAF cleaning...How often do you clean yours?

[bigwapitijohnny]

I have completed the following mods (Deckplate, Trueflow filter, ISR mod, Seafoam, and MAF cleaning) and have been tracking my mpg. I have been averaging roughly 17 mpgs (zero out my trip odometer, divide miles/gallons of gas). I did not notice any cumulative effects from all of the mods UNTIL, I cleaned my MAF sensor. It was dirty, and the electronic 'connector' was somewhat loose due to a bug of some sort. Anyway, I have noticed an increase in gas mileage to 18.6 mpgs since the cleaning . This mileage includes same amount of city driving, using ac, and towing a trailer with a riding lawn mower . How often do all of you clean your MAF sensors?

[Seanz0rz]

i have yet to clean mine, that will be this weekend's endevor, or sooner if i can track down some brake cleaner.

[Elton]

i think i cleaned mine along time ago

[MTL_4runner]

I try and clean mine every oil change. I also clean the TB at the same time too.

[bigwapitijohnny]

Will cleaning the throttle body help as well?  What does the throttle body do?  Sorry about my ingorance...

[humanoid]

I think cleaning the TB will help with the throttle response if anything and maybe make your truck feel livelier. As for cleaning your MAF, 4x4wire.com has a great write-up:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...tenancep5.html

You'll need to scroll down to about the middle of the page.

[MTL_4runner]

Will cleaning the throttle body help as well? What does the throttle body do? Sorry about my ingorance...

Cleaning the throttle body is really more for idle quality and can help keep your IAC (Idle Air Control valve) from getting the severe carbon buildup that causes very rough idle. There may be some slightly better throttle response (esp at very low throttle plate angles) hence it might feel a bit peppier from a dead start. I do it quite often but it's definately something to do if you have not done it in a while.

HINT: When your done cleaning, try and get the truck started ASAP and certainly before the cleaner dries (helps get the carbon out of the TB area). Start the truck initially with your foot completely to the floor and let up once the engine has caught.

[mkgarrison5]

i tried spraying throttle body cleaner (carb\injector) into the inake while the truck was running and when i took off the main air tube and the truck kept shutting off.. i am assuming bc of the maf sensor? i unhooked the tube at the TB. what can i do to keep the truck running while spraying cleaner down the TB?

[MTL_4runner]

i tried spraying throttle body cleaner (carb\injector) into the inake while the truck was running and when i took off the main air tube and the truck kept shutting off.. i am assuming bc of the maf sensor? i unhooked the tube at the TB. what can i do to keep the truck running while spraying cleaner down the TB?

Yep, you can't unplug the intake while the vehicle is running or it will shut off almost immediately (you can unplug the intake anywhere except in front of the MAF...ie essentially just the airbox) nor do you need to. The TB cleaning needs to be done with the vehicle OFF, then reconnect the intake tube and fire up the motor to clear it all out. I use an old toothbrush and it helps to have someone in the truck floor the gas pedal (again, engine OFF) so you can use the toothbrush on the TB bore to really scrub it clean. Keep the toothbrush soaked with carb cleaner and the carbon will just dissolve leaving behind a nice shiny throttle body bore. Don't forget to clean the throttle plate as well.

[mkgarrison5]

yeah i left the truck off and unhooked the main air tube and used a cloth and TB cleaner and did what i could with that and sprayed a generous amount in the TB itself, cranked the truck up and let it suck the rest through the motor.. ill use a toothbrush next time.. how much TB clean can you spray in there without messing something up??