First of all, thank you all for your replies, it is very helpful. I replaced my plugs and wires this morning and my car started right up, with no issue... the thing is, it is very warm today, as I did not finish until about 11:00. Over the next couple of days it should be cooler when I leave at 7:00 am and I should be able to let everyone know if it worked, or not. As for the GUNK, my father-in-law just told me about it, too. I will try that. I do have two more questions. I am using the Bosch Platinum plugs, as I understood they were very good. Does anyone else have an opinion on these? Secondly, why the plus gasoline? I used to have a 1992 Ford Explorer that had aweful gas milage and the engine was not smooth at all. I took it to several stealerships that told me various things, until one asked me what kind of gas I was using. I told him always premium. He suggested that I do what the manual instructed, and to use the regular gas. Within a week the problems were gone, and never came back. Because of that, I have always used what the manual states, which, in this case, is regular. I guess one more question. Should I reset my computer after cleaning the MAF and replacing the plugs and wires? Thanks.
As far as where the MAF is, it is between the air filter and the engine. If you do not know where the air filter is, then you are worse off than I, but it is a big black box just past the battery. From there, there is a cylindrical metal connector going into an accordian-type hose, which goes into the engine. The metal cylinder has a black piece of plastic with several (5?) wires coming out of it. That is the MAF. Of you get the metal cylinder out, and look trhough it, there is a smaller cylinder at the top. If you look closely in there you should see two small filaments inside, which are the sensors (I believe they detect air density=temperature). That is what you need to clean with a non-residue cleaner, such as (see next post). Do not take my word for this, however, please refer to the
MAF Cleaning FAQ. For more information, I would suggest picking up a Haynes manual. I got mine for $9.50 from eBay (including shipping). HTH!
