Debris on MAF screen...cause for concern?

**ls1fan74** · 04-29-2009, 12:26 PM

Looked at the airbox/filter today, noticed there was little bits of leaf/grass on the MAF screen-attached pics (sorry for quality-cell phone photo) could this be the most recent time the airbox was taken off it wasnt screwed on tightly, or has anyone else seen this? I almost panicked and got my vacuum but realized shaking of the tube/screen(didnt remove the MAF just the lid) I could get most of it out. Plus dry little leaf bits would prob burn right up correct? Car runs fine no SES light, I did notice the MAF screen looks a bit miscolored and it smelled a bit like gas. Is any of this normal lol?!

this is what was UNDER the air filter:

and the screen:

Edit: my apologies if the pics are too big, they seemed ok on my screen and I'm not sure how to do that "resize" thing. See the variance in color on the last pic, and the little brown grass/leaves?

**shady milkman** · 04-29-2009, 12:40 PM

no worry...that will happen..more-so with a freer flowing intake...just clean it up..those little things get burnt up anyways if they do reach the combustion chamber..

good reason to keep the maf screened

**JoshieDoom** · 04-30-2009, 03:21 AM

I wouldnt be concerned to much but it is a sign of a poor filter/ poor sealing airbox

**rbob93** · 04-30-2009, 04:35 AM

WTF??
If I'm getting debris on my MAF screen, then I have to wonder how much smaller debris is passing into my engine??
Obviously I have an airbox or lid thats not sealing & it needs to be tracked down & fixed, afterall, what good is having a filter if it's not doing anything?
Why wouldn't I be concerned about how much dirt is flowing into my engine??

**Sarge** · 04-30-2009, 01:58 PM

Bullshit! You better freak the hell out!
Get a filter that seals...if your getting crap you can see then all the really micro stuff is getting into your motor and the little stuff is like sandpaper.

**Hi-Po** · 04-30-2009, 02:05 PM

If I saw that shit on my screen I would damn sure be looking at changing some things. The filter is supposed to..... filter. Doesnt look like its doing a very good job.

**0rion** · 04-30-2009, 02:10 PM

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just work on sealing that filter up a little better so it can do it's job. I had all kinds of trash in my f-bodies maf screen shortly after buying the car because the bottom of the bellows had a gap in it. Plucked it all out, fixed the bellows, and been fine ever since. That was 75k miles ago.

**Sarge** · 04-30-2009, 05:46 PM

You can run with a leaking air filter for 100K miles probably. Thing is your rings/cylinder walls/bearings are being worn all to hell and you lose efficiencies/performance with wear.

**DrMilhouse** · 05-01-2009, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Sarge

Bullshit! You better freak the hell out!
Get a filter that seals...if your getting crap you can see then all the really micro stuff is getting into your motor and the little stuff is like sandpaper.

So what you're saying is he's basically getting a port/polish for free?

**Sarge** · 05-01-2009, 03:00 PM

yup.

**DrMilhouse** · 05-01-2009, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Sarge

yup.

That.... is..... awesome.

I had no idea port/polish could be done so inexpensively.

**JoshieDoom** · 05-02-2009, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by DrMilhouse

That.... is..... awesome.

I had no idea port/polish could be done so inexpensively.

hahah.

When I first got my T/A it had a k&N filter and i took everything apart and cleaned it and found the maf clogged with feather, leaves and twigs. The screen was smashed shut on one side. After about a year of driving and no clutter on the screen I just took it out due to the damage

**Black SS** · 05-03-2009, 07:06 AM

I removed the maf and bellows, shut out the lights,and stuck a small drop light into the air box to check for leaks. Sure enough, I found one and corrected the problem. As we all know, slp lids aren't known for precision fit.