I've searched this forum, and haven't found a exact ruling on the best way to clean the MAF on 1996-98 4Runners. On our trucks, the sensor wires in the MAF are enclosed way inside what resembles a mini jet engine, with a small hole on one end and the other sealed off.
If I take a non residue electronic parts cleaner in an areosol can and spray that in the hole and let it sit til it's dry, will this perform my desired task??

 

Supposedly. I had the same question last year when I went to clean mine. You can try those extra long Q-Tips but be careful not to wreck the wires.

Let me know if you hear/know of a better way to clean it out. It's almost time for me to do that again and clean my throttle body. And Amsoil air filter.

 

Well I found a post on another forum which spells it out (I hope it's ok to post it here for others to see....).

MAF (96-98) Cleaning

Sorry for the buildup,

Brad

 

That's funny. I forgot I posted in that thread. I can't believe I was cleaning stuff in December. I recall now, it was a little cold out...

 

You inspired me. I cleaned the MAF & throttle body tonight as well as took out my Amsoil air filter for cleaning. I used carb cleaner, sprayed it in there, let it drip out & waited until it dried.

 

So you opted for the carb cleaner huh? Hope all goes well. I was thinking of trying the electrical contact cleaner when I do it.

 

Just a MAF & TB cleaning update for ya, bbeast.

Sprayed carb cleaner in there, faced it downwards, let it drip out. Turned it upwards, let it dry out. Didn't take more than 10 - 15 before I was confident it was dry. Cleaned the TB too & put it all back together. Everything is working great, possibly better than usual in the fuel economy department. That's yet to be proven though. I'll let you know after the next tank or two.