Mass Air Flow Meter Nightmare!
 

2001 Boxster S 60km

I replaced my airflow meter last year and after driving it for about 5000km I have to replace it again this year, this isnt normal?

I read online that back pressure from an aftermarket exhaust and can ruin the sensor, is this true? I took out the meter and noticed the metal "paperclip" looked like it was pushed in with a thumb. Does anyone know what that means? The last time i replaced it, it didnt look like that?

One more thing, im looking for a meter online and everyone has the meters with the part number starting 996. The meter I took out from my car starts with 986 are they both compatiable? Also I have E-GAS.

Please help!

Thanks

These guys have them.....

http://www.************************************************************/search/product.aspx?sid=cijegk4512ulayvcclhn4gb4&makeid=8 00019@Porsche&modelid=1357196@BOXSTER%20&year=1999 &cid=22@Fuel%20%26%20Air%20System&gid=5068@Air%20M ass%20Sensor

No.

There is an engine in between your aftermarket exhaust and your MAF.

If the aftermarket exhaust is affecting your MAF, you have much, much bigger problems. (i.e., your engine is missing...)

From what I understand after market high flow air filters, not aftermarket exhaust can ruin it (like installing an EVO air filter) Some people say they've had to replace their MAF every 5K miles with the evo and some haven't had any problems.

If your car has been desnorkled you may be more susceptible to MAF problems. After I desnorkled my '02 I installed a metal mesh (gutter mesh from Home Depot) that I painted black behind the intake grill to prevent things like rocks or cigarette butts from being sucked into the intake.

The MAF is inline after the air filter - unless you're running without an air filter,you're not going to damage your MAF sensor with cigarette butts sucked in through the side of your desnorked Boxster. The symptom for ingested cigarette butts is, iirc, an engine fire.

I believe oil from over-oiled cone filters is the culprit for fouling MAF sensors for aftermarket intake equipped Boxsters.