Cause of MAF sensor failure

[bermuditis]

I was talking to my mechanic about why the mafs go out so often on the boxsters. He enlightened me the fact that the sensors can burn off just about anything except silicone. He said the silicon that is on the road surface or directly from your tires gets sucked in through the air intake and sticks to the metallic parts of the sensors. This is what causes them to go bad. He also pointed out that the stuff I was using to make my tires look wet has silicone in it. I have stopped putting the stuff on my car. I even used to shine up the vents on the air intake. So if you are going through maf sensors this may be the cause. Thought I'd put it out there.

[stickshiftnz]

While picking up my Galant from routine servicing at my mechanic (specialises in BMWs and Euros), we talked about MAF sensors. He said that as a rule they've been doing many of those, and said something to do with how the newer ones were designed which contributes to the failures. I thought to myself, great -- yet another engine item to add to the cost of motoring, even for those of us who care for our cars and don't trash them.

I'm just starting to do some research on it. Will admit, I haven't searched this site for MAF-related incidents. I'd be keen to find out exactly WHAT (or what factors) cause it to fail, is there a manufacturer (i.e. Bosch) whose products seem to be getting more problems and why, is there a preventive way of keeping it from failing if you're stuck with that brand, and if OEMs are available from different brands which are more reliable/dependable.

[bermuditis]

While picking up my Galant from routine servicing at my mechanic (specialises in BMWs and Euros), we talked about MAF sensors. He said that as a rule they've been doing many of those, and said something to do with how the newer ones were designed which contributes to the failures. I thought to myself, great -- yet another engine item to add to the cost of motoring, even for those of us who care for our cars and don't trash them.

I'm just starting to do some research on it. Will admit, I haven't searched this site for MAF-related incidents. I'd be keen to find out exactly WHAT (or what factors) cause it to fail, is there a manufacturer (i.e. Bosch) whose products seem to be getting more problems and why, is there a preventive way of keeping it from failing if you're stuck with that brand, and if OEMs are available from different brands which are more reliable/dependable.

Well I changed mine out twice with the Bosch unit. They also make the Porsche one that you get at the dealer so it's kinda the same thing. I found another manufacturer that makes a beefier unit and have been using that one for awhile. No problems since. It's an after market part made to OEM specs. I'm trying to see if I can get a hold of 100 of the units and have them available to the people here for modest price. I can't tell you how much people here have helped me out with great tips and advice.

[Tool Pants]

This is something new. Who makes an aftermarket air flow sensor for use on a Boxster?

The only one I have heard of is Hitachi that the turbo guys use instead of the factory Bosch.

[bermuditis]

This is something new. Who makes an aftermarket air flow sensor for use on a Boxster?

The only one I have heard of is Hitachi that the turbo guys use instead of the factory Bosch.

I have found a few, but only one that actually worked. I have a few spares that I'm selling as per my other thread. Really surprised no one has bought them as spares.

[4agdtym]

I take mine out and clean it periodically with electronic parts cleaner - a few times in the past two years. I don't wait until I get CEL to do so. Seems to make minor improvement in throttle response after it is cleaned. I'd be curious about cost and source of a reliable aftermarket spare. Also curious about experience others are having, and what type of intake/filter is being used. I have read several concerns about use of oil soaked filter media causing contamination of MAF sensor if the filter is not properly oiled. I use a stock intake system that has been de-snorked.