Thread: Dust at MAF sensor

Just back from a 2 1/2 day trek driving along the Down Nannup trail, SW WA Half of which was Red dirt roads.
I was the 3rd of 3 cars so was in a constant fog of red dust on these roads. Now back and doing a post trip clean and check-over I have removed the air filter and Maf and was surprised to see a light film of the red dust on the grill before the maf sensor. The engine bay was absolutely covered in red dust like the rest of the car. I know no amount of dust getting past the filter is a good thing but all looked good seal wise and the filter is relatively new. Any one had similar dust ingression after extreme dust driving.

The measure of effectiveness of an air filter is not how much dust it traps but how much it lets through. In these terms, a filter which allows 2% of dust through is said to be twice as effective as a filter which allow 4% through.

I wouldn't be putting engine oil on a paper air filter. I foresee two issues: the breakdown of the paper element and contamination of every sensor from the MAF right through to the O2 in the exhaust.

Remember that the intake system is under vacuum, so applying duct tape to the outside of joins may be effective (clean them first).

I also can vouch for the Unifilter. We had them fitted to a few 4wds and heavy machinery in western Qld. I will say that I think people clean them far too much. These things can appear caked with dust and still be filtering OK.

I've read that the airbox seal can be an issue. I'd start here, firstly with a new seal.

Good luck - a dusted engine is a horrible thing. I agree with the approach you're taking - fix it, quick!