Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

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BartusCompater

Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by BartusCompater »

I've got a squeaky and only slightly sticky AFM. I'm wondering what my options are for getting this fixed. Is there a way to open up the AFM and just replace the hinge or the flap to prevent the squeaking and sticking, or is this something that has to be replaced? It's a pretty pricey part.
htchevyii
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Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by htchevyii »

You can try to gently sand the offending area with a paint stick wrapped in sandpaper, but if the door is warped you could have an air leak.
Trey
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CarlosJavier

Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by CarlosJavier »

I recently faced this issue; the AFM door was sticking because it was lightly warped and the housing was dirty inside. I removed the AFM from the car and removed the bottom lid from the housing (2 phillips head bolts and 7 or 8 hex head bolts), revealing the insides. A thorough cleaning and very light sanding of the AFM housing, bottom lid, and trap door edges solved the issue. Best of luck.

PS - If you sand too much it might result in lean AFRs.
BartusCompater

Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by BartusCompater »

Hmm, my AFR doesn't look like it's held together by any bolts or screws. The bottom looks as though it's one solid piece that's just sealed on with some sort of adhesive. I wonder how risky it would be to try prying it off of there and then just re-seating it.
majicwrench

Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by majicwrench »

I have followed several threads about sticky AFM doors, and have to comment......I have almost no experience with Fiat FI, but have worked on HUNDREDS, if not thousands, of other cars with the same AFM & FI set-up as Fiat used, and I cannot remember the last time an AFM door was sticking. For me, this style AFM is extrememly dependable. I would be extremely leary of doing anything to the door or housing. YMMV
I do remember, back in the '70s, (let's see if I can get this right, jeesh been a long time) pulling the black plastic cover off, and repositioning the sweeping arm to make the engine run a tad richer throughout it's range. And yes, you can glue the cover back on.
Keith
htchevyii
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Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by htchevyii »

Some have a little spring loaded valve to release pressure in the event of a backfire, the FIAT ones that I have seen don't have this. A warped door is usually the result of a backfire thru the intake.
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BartusCompater

Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by BartusCompater »

What kind of adhesive would be best for re-attaching the plate on the bottom of the AFR after I've cleaned and sanded the inside?
2ndwind
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Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by 2ndwind »

Dustin,
I just did this with one of my AFMs. After spraying out with carb cleaner, I pushed the door open and noticed a shiny arc shape along the inside floor of the housing. I took a piece of 600 grit sandpaper, pushed the door open a little and wedged the sandpaper between the door and bottom. Grit facing the door. I rotated the door back and forth MANY times while holding the sandpaper still. Eventually, it sanded enough off to quit squeaking.
Steve
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BEEK
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Re: Options in regards to squeaky/sticky Air Flow Meter flap?

Post by BEEK »

the small posts that were bonded thru the floor of the air flow meter , locate the lower plate, rebuilders typicaly drill these out ant replace them with bolts/ screws. fiat air flow meters have always had a problem with doors bending because of backfires. ive seem many that have been opened up and sanded down with no ill effects.
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