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Oil in the Mass Air Flow sensor

50K views 32 replies 22 participants last post by  cookie311  
#1 ·
I have a 1.6 TDCi focus c-max and have recently had issues with power fluctuations and the engine feeling lifeless.

To rectify these problems I have had the vacuum pipe that's attached to the acutuator that controls the variable vains in the turbo replaced.

Also, there was a considerable amount of oil in the air pipe that comes from the air filter which covered the MAF sensor. I cleaned the pipe with brake cleaning spray and the MAF sensor with IPA spray.

Is it normal that oil enters the air inlet pipe via the rocker cover breather pipe? If not how can it be stopped?

Thanks
Brendan
 
#3 ·
Hi jim_frost_2000,
I have had similar problem as you with oil build-up in Air Duct Pipe and it contaminated the MAF sensor, the symptoms were the same as you described.
You mentioned that you cleaned the MAF sensor with IPA Spray -
Did you just saturated the sensor and let it evaporate or wipe it as well.
Where did you get the IPA Spray from?
 
#4 ·
hi jim frost
there is a dealer update for this issue if you pm me your email i will send you a copy and anyone else needing it can have one too!
it involves a pcm update and a new turbo inlet hose it tells you how to clean the sensor and how to check if you already have the modified hose!!
cheers
matt
 
#31 ·
Hi
Have an issue with oil fouling MAF sensor and Turbo input. Last year main dealer overfilled my oil. I didn't spot it for several months.Since then I have been down on power (I have 1.6 tdi 13 plate). Sorry to dig out this old thread but I wondered if you could send me the update info. I am new to this forum so I am not sure how I send you my email details without making it known to everyone.
If you can help me out it would be great!
 
#10 ·
hi jim frost
there is a dealer update for this issue if you pm me your email i will send you a copy and anyone else needing it can have one too!
it involves a pcm update and a new turbo inlet hose it tells you how to clean the sensor and how to check if you already have the modified hose!!
cheers
matt
Hi.

Sorry to open up a dead thread, but does anyone have the information quoted here.

Ford have refused to give me this information unless I take my car in to them to do the work for this issue.
 
#11 ·
hi jim frost
there is a dealer update for this issue if you pm me your email i will send you a copy and anyone else needing it can have one too!
it involves a pcm update and a new turbo inlet hose it tells you how to clean the sensor and how to check if you already have the modified hose!!
cheers
matt
HI, chrisaz666 I have trobble with OIL in pipes can I have any info you have please BUG pab3@talktalk.net.
 
#14 ·
here is the info for oil contamination of maf sensor pics are in order

WDS/IDS - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - Reprogramming
• NOTE: Use WDS CD B45 / IDS 46 DVD or a later version.
1. Connect the WDS/IDS portable diagnostic unit to the vehicle and establish communication (VID the vehicle).
  • Confirm the vehicle details are correct.
2. Check for any stored Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to this concern.
  • If DTCs P1101, P1103 or P2279 are stored in the PCM, go to next step.
  • If no or other DTCs are stored, check the correct PCM calibration (see table below) and check for other reasons relating to the customer concern.
3. Reprogram the PCM using WDS/IDS.
  • Select the correct calbration from the following table.
Calibration overview for 1.6L Duratorq-TDCI (DV) Diesel
TransaxleEmission levelOld calibrationNew calibration for PCM Reprogramming5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 33M51-12A650-MH*3M51-12A650-MJ5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 34M51-12A650-NF*4M51-12A650-NGAutomatic Transaxle (CFT23)Stage 34M51-12A650-PD*4M51-12A650-PE5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 44M51-12A650-KG *4M51-12A650-KHAutomatic Transaxle (CFT23)Stage 35M51-12A650-TB*5M51-12A650-TC/TD5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 45M51-12A650-UA 5M51-12A650-UB5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 35M51-12A650-LB*5M51-12A650-LC Automatic Transaxle (CFT23)Stage 46M51-12A650-CC6M51-12A650-CGAutomatic Transaxle (CFT23)Stage 37M51-12A650-TB*7M51-12A650-TD5-Speed Manual TransaxleStage 47M51-12A650-UA7M51-12A650-UC
*and older version
4. Disconnect WDS/IDS from the vehicle.

Check the oil level of the engine
1. NOTE: If the engine has been overfilled this can lead to oil overflow into the air cleaner outlet hose.
Check the oil level and adjust as required.

SEE PIC 1
1. Remove the engine upper cover.
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet hose.

SEE PIC 2
3. Check the design of the air cleaner outlet hose and compare with the illustration that shows physical changes between the <MF> and <MG> levels.
  • Detach the air cleaner outlet hose clamps.
  • Detach the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose quick release coupling.
1. Old level with Part Number: 3M51-9A673-MF
2. New level with Part Number: 3M51-9A673-MG
• If the latest air cleaner outlet hose (3M51-9A673-MG or later) is installed, do NOT install a new one unless you can clearly observe a leak from the joints from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose or the air cleaner outlet hoses. Go to <Check the air cleaner housing and the air cleaner outlet hose>.
• If an older level is installed, install a new air cleaner outlet hose (see Parts Required).
• Go to next step.

SEE PIC 3
1. NOTE: Oil overflow from the engine will be increased if there is a large negative pressure in the air cleaner outlet hose due to a blockage anywhere from the air cleaner housing to the turbocharger inlet.
Detach the air cleaner quick release from the air cleaner and remove the air cleaner.
  • Check for any blockages in the air filter housing or the air cleaner outlet hose. Remove if reqiured.
  • Make sure that the inside of the air cleaner outlet hose and the PCV hose are clean and free from any oil residue. Clean the air filter housing and the air cleaner outlet hose with brake cleaner.
  • Fully dry the components with compressed air.
  • Go to next step.
SEE PIC 4
1. Remove the MAF sensor.

SEE PIC 5
2.
Image
CAUTION: Never use any kind of mechanical cleaning equipment like tissues, brushes etc. This leads to damage of the MAF sensor element.
• NOTE: Use brake cleaner only.
Thoroughly clean the MAF sensor with brake cleaner.
  • 2.
    Image
    CAUTION: Compressed air system must have oil and water separator. The air needs to be directed towards the front of the sensor - the mesh side. Hold a distance of at least 40 cm to the MAF sensor. Closer use may lead to damage of the sensor element.
  • Fully dry the MAF sensor with compressed air.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
 

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#15 ·
Hi crash19999, I have a Ford focus C-Max 2.0ltr diesel, which is using a lot of fuel (approx 28mpg) and loses power at about 28000 rpm. I have looked in the air inlet and there does seem to be an excess of oil.

This issue has been doing my head in for ages now and has cost money in failed fixes. Thanks for your post, I think I'm now on the right track, I'll let you know how I get on.

Gratefully yours Seamus
 
#17 ·
Hi crash19999, my 2003 2.0 tdci has been with Ford today and they have failed to diagnose a problem. I gave them a printout of this thread, but they didn't seem very interested and actually said that the pipe in question is not fitted to my car! Can you confirm that this is an issue with the 2.0ltr as well as the 1.6ltr? I have a horrible feeling that they are not listening to me!
 
#21 ·
When i used to mess around with cars in my younger days if the oil breather to the afm was pumping too much back into the system there were two routes to take.

1) blank the hole in the air intake pipe, then fit a small filter (k&n sell them) that fits into the breather pipe, this was the cheapest option. This allowed the breather to "breathe" but it breathes to atmosphere. The problem with this is the oil vapour is free to spray all over the bay.

2) if you wanted your bay to stay clean, blank the pipe as above, then fit an oil catch tank onto the breather pipe, pref one with a level on so you can see when its full. This, suprisingly enough, catches any oil and has a vent to allow excess pressure to escape to atmosphere. Tanks generally cost around ÂŁ60-100, but this totaly stops oil being recirculated into the air intake, saving time and money on cleaning the afm all the time.

Just thought id add this incase anyone was getting sick.
 
#22 ·
Oil Catch Can

MarkDon

I own a Mazda 3 1.6 Turbo Diesel. I believe the 1.6 Turbo Diesel engine is the same as that fitted to the Ford Focus. The problem with the Air Sensor ( MAF) getting covered in oil as been mentioned on many forums.

I decided to fit an Oil Catch.

My write is here with photographs. Unfortunately you have to register to see the photographs.

" http://www.mazda3forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=9546.0 "

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Hope someone finds this useful.

Just one point if someone could help.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get to and remove the bottom Turbo Oil Banjo connection. I believe it is fitted very close to the oil cooler.

What parts need to be removed to get to the Bottom Turbo Oil Banjo Connection.

Thank you in advice for any information/advice you can offer.:)
 
#23 ·
After finding the air filter was contaminated with oil I replaced it. At the same time I degreased and cleaned the rubber hoses joining the air filter to the turbo and the crank case breather which were dirty with oil. I also cleaned the maf sensor with contact cleaner and now everything is spotless.

It appears the oil is coming down from the crank case breather but how is it then flowing against the airflow and contaminating the maf sensor and the air filter? Is there an underlying problem that causes this or is it just a characteristic of the 1.6 tdci engine?

Should I be checking and cleaning the above parts on a say a 3 monthly basis or do I need to be doing something else? It's a 04 Ghia on 124k by the way.