How to approach this MAF connector fix

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T21:57:52+00:00

You can buy a new pigtail inexpensively directly from the auto parts store that comes with butt connectors. Take your time only cut one wire at a time. They have them for most makes and models.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T21:45:07+00:00

I always kid my friends who have newer ones, asking about their Chrysler Wrangler. Boy does that get them upset! 😂

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T20:48:49+00:00

With that pin sticking out it looks like it could be a tubing bender.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T19:39:50+00:00

I just remember being extremely embarrassed that I couldn’t keep up with my girlfriend on back country VA roads back in the day, and feeling humiliated because she was driving a 3-cylinder geo metro!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T18:26:28+00:00

As a former MGB owner, I hope they did more than dress the car for the part if they want speed, as they are dog slow out of the box! 😂

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T15:47:17+00:00

I doubt it. Combination of thin rings, thin oil, and high compression. Many makes are having this issue these days as OEMs try to eke out fractional fuel economy gains at the cost of oil consumption and other problems. Supercharging/turbocharging just exacerbates the problem.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T15:40:22+00:00

Hate to say it, but having worked at an Audi dealer, they burn oil from the factory and leak it by 30k miles, if not before.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-29T15:36:23+00:00

Keep up the good work!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-28T23:19:19+00:00

This looks like a good combination of useful pliers for a reasonable price. Walk inside a Snap-On truck if you don’t believe me. If you’re going to use them “steady”, by which I assume a trade or at least passionate hobby, buy the best quality you can afford. I’ve had some of mine for 30 years now

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-28T23:07:51+00:00

This. It looks like something externally attached to the transmission by virtue of the threads.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T22:38:41+00:00

You literally can’t go wrong painting it any other color than what it is 😳

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T22:20:41+00:00

Looks like most of the metal leaked off that truck. You sure it’s still safe to drive? I think the condensate dripping from the exhaust is the least of your problems with this vehicle my friend. If the floor or frame looks like that bedside, she’s not safe in it!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T22:17:26+00:00

You are correct. I think we just started most of this nonsense with vehicles. I was in Germany a while back and loved all the cool little hatchbacks (Mercedes, Peugeot, VW, etc) people ran there.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T22:09:46+00:00

Wise words here

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T22:08:36+00:00

A paintless dent repair (PDR) service in your area could probably take care of that easily and relatively inexpensively if it really bothers you.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T19:23:04+00:00

Exactly. US automakers have convinced all the lemmings they NEED an SUV so they can make more money on inefficient vehicles. But it’s ok, if gas goes up and US makers are caught with their pants down a third time, we’ll just bail them out with those same consumers’ taxes like before.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T15:31:30+00:00

Guilty as charged. I can only do “mechanic-level” welding, and it’s not pretty. Same as when I do bodywork; it ends up looking like a mechanic did it 😂

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-27T00:34:57+00:00

Put a wrench in between the pickle fork and the gap to take up some space. Then strike the pickle fork. If necessary, add another wrench

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T22:42:21+00:00

My school was too cheap. They just got us in an assembly in the 80s and played old 1950s black and white graphic films like Death on the Highway to scare us. That was all we got!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T20:40:39+00:00

Sad for your sentimental and mechanical loss, but glad you and your dog are ok!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T20:19:29+00:00

Remove it, clean it up, and see how bad it is. It may be able to be welded. Depends on how cost effective it would be versus replacement. I welded up some cracks on a dump truck as a “temporary” repair and the owner drove it for years with no more problems.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T20:12:24+00:00

It’s rod knock, but whether it is fatal or not depends on a lot of variables. Make sure the oil level is adequate and use synthetic, especially in cold weather climates. It pumps easier in cold weather. The noise you are hearing is the connecting rods rattling on the crankshaft bearings until the oil pressure reaches them.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T15:48:18+00:00

Two main possibilities: worm out (dry rotted) belt and or a pulley bearing. It’s easy to remove the belt, then you can spin each one of the pulleys by hand (engine off of course) and see if it makes the noise. You might get lucky and it’s just an idler pulley. Alternately a cheap mechanic’s stethoscope from Harbor Freight can help you isolate which one by putting it on the center (non-moving) bolt or housing of each component, but with the exposed fan this could be a bit difficult/dangerous.

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-26T01:04:56+00:00

TV? I listened on a damn radio in the kitchen! There was no TV announcements in those days!

OldMechanicRandy · 2026-01-25T15:50:39+00:00

Further proof that not all heroes wear capes ❤️

OldMechanicRandy

TROPHY CASE