I've been extensively looking around this site about info on MAF sensors, but there are so many mixed opinions so I don't know what to do. My 86' 2.8l firebird throws up code 34 right away and it has never once not been on so I know for sure it is one of these problems. I checked the wire going into the MAF sensor and it gives 12v supply. I'm stuck on deciding between the Standard Motor or AC Delco new MAFs http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...&parttype=5128.

I've heard to replace my MAF relays before I drop a lot of money on a MAF but the relays that other people are talking about aren't the same as the ones I see in my car. If someone could give me the part # for the related relays so I know what to look for, that would be nice. Also what MAF sensor should I get for a 2.8l v6 86 firebird? Other posts I have read all talk about different models so I'm trying to find one for this car. Thanks.

 

Hi Darren ,

Sorry I can't help you about WHICH MAF to buy , but I can explain a bit about the relay . Notice I said "relay" and not "relayS" ? Our sixes only use one relay in the MAF system and it is the 8 cyl cars that have two relays . Our single relay is only responsible for turning the +12 volts that the MAF needs to run on and off . The "extra" relay in the 8 is called the "burnoff" relay and gets the MAF wires hot for a moment to clean them after the engine is shut down . On our six cyl system , if you have a good +12 volts on the wire leading to the MAF while your engine is running , your relay is likely fine .

This myth of "gotta change the MAF relay with each new MAF instalation" came from folks with the 8 cyl that had a stuck closed contact in the burnoff relay that kept burnoff power to the MAF all the time rather than for the brief time needed to clean the MAF , and fried the new MAF ! Since we have no burnoff relay to stick closed and cook our MAF , a simple check for +12 with the engine running is all that's required to determine if our MAF relay is functioning or not ......

PS , in the past , I'd have been the first one to say "gotta get the AC Delco" ... But ! , my recent experience with buying an AC Delco heater control valve , new in the box from a Major and much respected on line parts retailer , and getting an "everco" part that was identical in every way to the cheap autozone valve that leaked , has really left me doubting if paying extra for the pretty blue box is really money well spent . In NO way would I buy a rebuilt one , that's for sure ! But I , as you are also , would really question just exactly where the part in the pretty blue box was made , and just how different it will be from a new unit sold under any other name . For reference , just go to the "history/originality" subforum here , and search the name "Everco" . My thread will come up in that search and then you'll understand why I'm now kinda skeptical about what's made where ......

 

Thanks for the info. It helps narrow down what my problem is. I'm just nervous buying a new MAF sensor because I still have a feeling mine might be fine. I bought mine off Ebay and I understand that was a complete gamble but I didn't know back when I bought it. The listing said it was a brand new Acdelco for $60 and the box it came with looked pretty legit, although that doesn't say much about the part itself. $60 for a new oem MAF does seem sketchy. I'm just torn on what manufacturer to buy from.

 

Honestly , I don't blame you in the least about wondering how to best not get screwed on buying the new MAF . I myself actually DREAD the day my MAF goes out , cause I feel like I'll run into another debacle like I did with my "AC Delco" (in reality "Everco") heater control valve ....

Best of luck , and let me know what you end up buying ....

 

Darren
Read this thread. I know it will help you. It's up there in price, but worth it. Rusty knows what he is talking about!

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ch+Porter+MAFS

 

This would be all well and good , Except , of course , for the fact that the thread you link is in relation to the eight cylinder MAF and it's two relays , and not our six cyl setup which not only uses one relay but is a totally different MAF unit alltogether (eight cyl = 5 wire MAF / six cyl = 3 wire MAF) . If Darren were to buy the MAF in rusty's thread , he'd be buying a part that would not fit/work in his car .....

Not being nit picky here , but details count , and this is a rather important detail ......

 

I understand that Orange.I was referring to the brand.

Richporter Technology MA153 Mass Air Flow Sensor for 2.8 Firebird

 

Thank You Bob , I appreciate that you didn't take my post as being an attack or smart alec , cause I really wasn't trying for it to be . I only wanted to make sure Darren knew that the 6 and 8 have a different MAF , and to not buy the exact one mentioned by rusty . I also appreciate you posting the numbers for the good 6 cyl MAF , I have bookmarked it for the eventual day when my wonderful "AC Delco" MAF goes bad ....

 

Yeah, there is just so much controversy in the threads for what manufacturer to trust. It makes it even harder when there are significantly less threads about the topic for V6.

 

Orange....we're good!

Darren.... Check out the Rich Porters....about a $100 for your 2.8

 

Is that the same one as the spectra MA153 listed on rockauto?

 

I can't answer that. But check this link on fleabay. It calls out the Richporter name


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mass-Air-Flo...1c6f51&vxp=mtr