MAF Sensor Reading

[AychShake]

Hi everyone,

So my car has been running really rich and has an overpowering exhaust smell when idling (even in an open area). I asked my mech to have a look at the MAFs and he said I apparently have a vacuum leak/air leak after the MAF and it's more than likely the start of a valve stem seal issue.

What do you guys think? I've attached the read out which he gave me.

Thanks!

[turboawd]

Exhaust smell? Any smoke? Bad valve stem seals cause a puff of smoke when you give it gas after idling a bit.

[AychShake]

Originally Posted by turboawd

Exhaust smell? Any smoke? Bad valve stem seals cause a puff of smoke when you give it gas after idling a bit.

Yeh nothing like that as yet thankfully but he keeps saying that what you're seeing is the start of a failure.

I know it's like telling a doctor what the issue is and not listening to him but maybe theres a broken hose or leak somewhere else that isnt valve stem. The MAF rate running high may be a clue?

[AychShake]

Is there perhaps any others hoses or areas to check for leaks that you guys can think of?

[turboawd]

If you had a vacuum leak after the maf, you'd have less air flow than normal across the maf. So the maf reading would be lower than normal. But who knows what normal is....
I think you need to find another mechanic.
If you're running rich, I'd be looking for plugged up cats or bad o2 sensors. Or bad maf that thinks you're getting more air than you actually are.

[AychShake]

Originally Posted by turboawd

If you had a vacuum leak after the maf, you'd have less air flow than normal across the maf. So the maf reading would be lower than normal. But who knows what normal is....
I think you need to find another mechanic.
If you're running rich, I'd be looking for plugged up cats or bad o2 sensors. Or bad maf that thinks you're getting more air than you actually are.

Iiiiibteresting. How would you check to see if you have plugged up cats (if it all)? I will definitely be getting a second opinion though.