Replacement snapped MAF sensor screw?

[rustyyb]

Hi, guys. Just a quick question. I just snapped the head off of one of the torx screws that fasten the MAF sensor on my '92 XLT 4X4. Tried to re-tighten back to the original mark and "click" - she was gone. Do you think I need to get a replacement from a dealer, or will Autozone, etc. have one. I don't think it matters if it's a torx, but I don't want to use a sub-standard fastener that won't torque it down sufficiently nor do I want to over-torque and break the case. Any thoughts or tips? BTW, the two minute cleaning of the MAF sensor turned off the CEL and fixed the hesitation and idle instantly.
Thanks.

 

[Maniak]

Your not really trying to get it that tight. Its just holding the MAF sensor into the housing.

If you can get the old screw out just grab another screw from the hardware store or if your really picky about the looks, grab the screws from a junk yard. If you can't get the screw out another housing should be pretty cheap at a junk yard.

Next time, just you a screw driver handle type 1/4" drive thing.

~Mark

 

[Anime]

The stock ones have a tamper torx head, and you'll probably need to get replacements at a salvage yard as mentioned. I snapped one of mine (not from overtightening, it was just weak, apparently) and had to use a tiny tiny tiny drill bit to hollow out the broken bolt, and then a pick to pull the rest of what was left out.

You might want to just get some stainless steel allen head bolts from the hardware store instead, they might be stronger and you won't need to bother with tamper torx heads anymore.

Keep in mind you can always tap the housing for slightly larger bolts if you mess up when drilling or extracting the old bolt.

 

[rustyyb]

Thanks, guys. Guess I didn't need that breaker bar and 12" pipe extension after all... : )
Actually, the head snapped off before the split lock washer had half-way compressed. The rear came out and went back easy but the front (that failed) had a white substance on it, loktite or similiar, and was hard getting out also. I think I'll see if Home Depot has a decent grade replacement since they are nearby. At least it had the decency to snap at the head so I'll have something to vise-grip onto. Thanks again.