Ok, so I got all the supplies and tools to extract and clean my MAF sensor...at least I thought so. When I went to take it out I tried to unscrew the sensor and found that the screws were stripped and barely had any of the Phillips head design left in the head of the screw. So now I am stuck, literally not being able to service this part. Does anyone have any recommendations or tips/tricks regarding releasing stripped phillips head screws? I tried wd-40 already to loosen them up from the threads (they are screwed in real tightly as well, which could be why the heads are stripped in the first place) and that did not work...thanks for any help you may offer!

 

In that case what I would do is to drill off the head of the screw, then hit the rest (all that will be left is the threaded portion) with some WD40 and use a pair of pliers to get the remaining part out after you have removed the MAF sensor. Then go to the store and get some replacement bolts and be sure to use grease or antiseize on them for later servicing.

 

Before you drill off the head, if you have a thin file, or a grinder disc (on a Dremel maybe?) or a hacksaw around try cutting a single slot across the head and then using a flat-blade screwdriver to get them out.

Of course, you'll still want to replace them once you get 'em out.

 

also when you have phillips screws that are rounded out.. you can sometimes use the square driver bits that come with many screwdriver sets..... robertson recess is what they are called

craftsmen and other companies also have screw out products....

 

or use vise grips

 

When at first you do not succeed...hack it.

I ended up using a hack saw to cut grooves in the screws to give some leverage for a flat head screw driver and that worked. All to get in there and find out the sensor was pretty clean already. I cleaned it and put it back in. There might be a slight improvement in Gas mileage after that, but not much.

Any other suggestions on that topic?

 

Make it easy on yourself and buy some screw extractors. Sears sells them.

 

best advice so far.....vice grips have always extracted stripped philips screws that I've run into....you might also get some bolstered screw drivers. The extra leverage of using a wrench to to turn is sometimes all that's needed.

 

Well I took care of the problem with the hacksaw...tried some extractor kits to no avail...had to go mid-evil on those screws with the simple hacksaw blade.

Any other recommendations on other parts to clean that may increase gas mileage? I have cleaned the MAF and throttle body.

 

Plugs, O2 sensor(s), fuel filter, Seafoam (big thread), gas quality, air filter, PCV valve, look for vacuum leaks...