S13 runs rough then dies after short ram install

[Clark W. Griswald]

I just installed an AEM short ram air intake on my 93 240SX today. It ran perfect before the install and now it runs rough, the idle hovers, and steadily goes down until the engine dies. I was having problems with my car running very rough at startup due what what I believe was the catalytic converter being clogged. After beating the hell out of it with a hammer and laying on the throttle a few times it went away. Attched are two video clips. One is the engines characteristics while I lay on the gas pedal and the other is under the hood after the install. Sorry about the terrible quality and length of video, I only have a video recorder on my cellular phone. Any help would be great thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMwMrZq3iKM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMwMrZq3iKM

[needmorenissan]

sounds like a vacuum leak

[Wretched]

I had the same problem before...ended up being a bad connection at my MAF. Use a pick to tighten the terminals on the connector. Mine was acting JUST like a vacuum leak, too. Hopefully that helps.

[zer0c123]

I agree with wenched, double check to make sure youe MAF sensor plug is plugged in properly.

I hope you didn't try to take it off by unscrewing the two screws.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Sounds like the MAF, either the connection, or you go it dirty somehow.

[Clark W. Griswald]

Nobody thinks it could be that previously clogged cat?

[Wretched]

Seeing as how you messed with the maf installing the short ram...that would be the first thing I would look at. Just try it. If you think it's the cat...take it off and see if it runs any better without it.

[Clark W. Griswald]

Ok I just checked out the plug for the MAF. It's a four pin female plug, but the far left prong is missing. Is it supposed to be missing to accept other model cars or did one of my prongs fall out and thats why my car is running so terrible? Can I just wire in another plug from another S13?

[Wretched]

That's how it's supposed to be. Just make sure the terminals on the plug are tight...they get worn out over time. I use a pick to close up the terminals a little. Does it idle ok?

[Clark W. Griswald]

Actually it idles terribly. I have to constanly feather the throttle for the engine to even stay running.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Unplug the maf when the engine is running, see if it idles the same. If it does, its the MAF, which I think it is.

[Wretched]

Disconnect the maf and see how it idles.

Edit: just saw someone else posted at the same time...my bad

[Clark W. Griswald]

So what would be wrong with the MAF? I never manhandled it, I didnt get anything inside it, I didnt drop it etc. It worked perfectly fine before I put the air intake on. Are MAF's that sensitive to being handled?

[Clark W. Griswald]

When the MAF is unplugged the engine idles fine, but I can rev over 3k RPM. When I plugged the MAF back in the car died. Any ideas?

[OutToWinPAHC]

Yeah, it's time for a new MAF.

[Wretched]

Orrrrr...it's the connector. I still haven't heard anything back about if that worked. Here's pictures to show exactly what I'm talking about. I do this on all connectors of this style.



Then, using a pick, or nail, or anything else that will do the job...do this:



It's worth trying since it's the free fix. If that doesn't work, then it's most likely time for a MAF.

[Clark W. Griswald]

I have a donor car that Im gonna pull the MAF off of. Ill try the pin trick first, thanks and Ill let everyone know what happens.

[Clark W. Griswald]

I figured out what the problem was. I had the MAF on basically upside down and backwards. The pins in the MAF can only read air flow one way, and that was the opposite way in which I had the MAF positioned. All is as it should be with the new short ram on, boy do I feel like a horses patoot!

[Wretched]

Haha it happens, man