Throttle body cleaner vs MAF cleaner

[Lanister]

Hey guys,

The throttle body and MAF are a part of the same airflow system. I know that technically each of these components require a specific cleaner. However, I'm wondering if I can just use one for both? I already have a throttle body cleaner (by CRC) so I wanted to see I can use to clean the MAF.

Thoughts?

[Avetiso]

I think you should be fine with either.

[Smolck]

I use whatever I have lying around. My last MAF went 200k miles. If you have a chance, buy the MAF cleaner. If you have the TB cleaner, spray away and live your life.

[Lanister]

Thanks guys, I suspected that it's not as big of a deal but wasn't sure

It's actually for my VW Eurovan, as the poor old thing has 155k on it and it started throwing me MAF error codes so I figure I'd give it a clean before I drop a hunny on a new MAF. Long live the surfer van!

[ELCID86]

Have you ever posted pics of the VW? I love those things. My boys have a friend who is rebuilding one now.

[billyjack]

I've used throttle body cleaner and didn't think twice. I'm slightly curious what the difference is with MAF cleaner but not curious enough to buy any.

[Lanister]

Yeah, post number: 490

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showt...ghlight=surfer

It's not one of those oldschool VW buses. They look super retro-cool but I couldn't bare dealing with such an a old vehicle.

Mine is a 2001 Eurovan GLS. It's SO incredibly useful that I can't seem to let go of it. On top of that, it has a proper VR6 motor in it so at 200hp, it hauls the mail like a champ. I used to use it for motorcycle racing. The thing would fit my race bike and all of my paddock gear, tables, spares, tools, etc. When at the track, I'd have my paddock set up and sleep in the van. Not bad for a daily driver. I've moved myself and my friends with it a few times without having to rent a hauler. At this point, the thought of not having it is unbearable. So I'm determined to keep it alive as long as I can. At 155k it still doesn't burn any oil. The weakest point on these things is the auto tranny but I baby it with frequent AT oil changes so it's hanging in there. Part of the reason I got the ZHP is because I wanted to limit the miles on the van and frankly it's not the most comfortable for long commutes. So now it's a short-range surfer van

[Lanister]

Here's another shot to give you an idea

[Avetiso]

Here's another shot to give you an idea

That picture is AWESOME!

[LivesNearCostco]

My theory is that MAF cleaner is more delicate/gentile than normal TB or carb cleaner, because a MAF has an electronic sensor that needs to be cleaned, while TBs and carbs just have moving parts that need to be cleaned. (Some might also have little electric motors inside.) If correct, then safe to use MAF cleaner on TBs or carbs but not necessarily safe to use carb cleaner on MAFs. But to be sure, read and compare the ingredients.

CRC MAF cleaner: petroleum distillates, possibly alcohol, CO2 propellant
MSDS says: Hexane, n-hexane, CO2, and COzol 204 (proprietary compound)

CRC TB/intake cleaner: Acetone base with other goodies, CO2 propellant
MSDS says: Acetone, toluene, heptane, diacetone alcohol, CO2, but mostly acetone

The Gunk MAF cleaner MSDS suggests it's all n-heptane and other sweetened liquified petroleum gases. I wonder which is more effective at cleaning MAFs, a spray that is mostly n-heptane or one that is mostly hexane.