Warning: This post is kind of long.
My question is at the bottom.
Hi All,
I just came across this group via internet search because I need a bit of help.
My 95 VG30E was running great, but got the worst gas mileage I've ever seen at <9 mpg and seemed to have a lot of exhaust smoke. I thought it was running rich. Not wanting to fail emissions testing, I decided to start with basic maintenance to see if the mpg improved any before moving on to more complicated measures.
I started by replacing the air filter. Simple enough.
At the time, I didn't know that I had to disconnect the hose post MAFS in order to change the air filter, and so I think I knocked some dust loose because the engine intermittently started to act like it was dying after the air filter change.
After doing a lot of research, I learned about MAF sensors and how they could affect gas mileage. Okay, I'll test and clean the MAFS.
On my initial look, I noticed the MAFS connector has already had a ground wire attached to the engine block.
I tested it by starting the truck up. Started and ran great. No signs of dying.
Leaving it running, I disconnected the MAFS connector and the truck almost immediately stopped running. So I learned that this means the MAFS is good. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Then I loosened the post MAFS hose clamp, lifted the air box lid off the base, removed the air filter, wiggled the whole thing off the air hose, and carefully took it apart.
To my surprise, the MAFS was fairly clean, as was the screen body and the supporting hoses and mounting surfaces. I carefully cleaned it with electrical contact cleaner anyway and let it dry for about 15 minutes before putting it all back together.
* I tried to start it.
* It hard started like it has never done before and then went into a slow, loping idle. It felt like I was on a horse.
* A very strong smell of gas was apparent about 10 seconds after starting, so I thought it was getting flooded.
* I let it idle for a bit and gave it a small blip. It did not like that.
* When I press the accelerator slowly, it falters and lopes so hard, the whole truck shakes.
* Tons of white smoke coming out of the tailpipe, enough to fog my entire front yard.
* The smell of gas in the air was like I was swimming in it.
* I shut it down.
Finally, here is my question:
If the MAFS has to learn the engine again, how do I help it to do so?
Do I let it idle, or should I take it out around the neighborhood (it won't accelerate)?
I have another possibly related question regarding a cracked section of small line going into the throttle, but since the truck ran fine with that cracked line, I'll keep this post to the MAFS issue.
If you've stuck with me this far, I thank you.
Any tips are appreciated.