I got about 4 blocks from my house yesterday and my 850 died, suspect MAF as symptoms are similar to an issue I had about 6 months ago. The last time this happened was right after I replaced my paper air filter with a brand new K&N. I replaced my MAF with a newer one (Non-Bosch) that has the thread. Today I went to the local Schmucks and picked up a paper air filter, MAF sensor cleaner, and borrowed their code reader. I replaced the K&N with a paper filter in case it's the filter oil causing MAF failure (I know they claim it's only supposed to be an issue if you recharge it and use too much oil but just to be safe) and cleaned the MAF. The code reader produced no codes. It would turn over but wouldn't start, with a little starting fluid it will run for about 3 seconds then die. I checked the oil and there's a little foam on the dipstick but supposedly that's common this time of year and there isn't any on the inside of oil cap or the top end of the crankcase from what I can see. Any thoughts?

I personally think KN oiled filters screw up MAF sensors. So Many people have dead cars after they use them (me included) that I just don't think it's worth the risk. Plain paper filters work just fine. I would buy a cheap MAF aftermarket and would also replace the cam sensor. This time of year its also a good idea to use water removing additive in the fuel if your in a cold climate.

Sorry to bust bubbles, but the introduction of alcohol to gasoline(mandated by the Feds) will remove water from the tank quite nicely. Water sinks to the bottom of the tank because it is heaver than gasoline, the pump pickup is also at the bottom of the tank. So, unless you only drive the car a few times a year and keep the tank level below 1/2 while in storage - and, the temperature fluctuates a lot from day to night, and it is humid, then, and only then would you get enough water in the bottom of the tank to kill the engine.

In other words, adding a bottle of 'water remover' to your tank does nothing but remove money from your wallet.

I have stored my old car for the winter with just a 1/2 tank, but that is because I am waiting for a part so it stops leaking!

Klaus
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There is no present time, just the past and future

I was just thinking maybe the tanker guy filling the fuel storage tanks at the gas station kicked in about 30 pounds of snow while he was offloading the fuel and maybe the tank leaked ground water and the good pastor drove around in the rain for a few days and forgot the gas cap.

If it fires when you give it some go juice in the throttle, it probably isn't getting any fuel.

Unscrew the fuse box, lift it up and pull the fuel pump relay out. Then use a jumper wire and connect ports 15 and 87. Turn the ignition to on and listen for the fuel pump. If you hear a humm for a couple of seconds, engage the starter and see if it starts. If so, you will need to repair or replace the relay.

A new K&N filter will not mess up the MAF.

Klaus
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There is no present time, just the past and future

your car should run if you unplug the MAF and start it (it will also throw a code or two). How are your plugs looking?

If you wait 10 minutes will it fire up? Have you ever replaced the fuel pump relay?
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?

my 96 850 was running great and after driving for 150 miles absolutely troublefree
and sitting overnight, it would not start the next day. i thought it was the fuel pump or some central electrical component. turns out, it was plugs and new plug wires. i had the car about one year when this happened and was quite surprised that the car had not missed or hesitated due to old plugs, it simply would not start one morning. i am suggesting that you check your plugs and wires.

tc
86 240, 93 940, 96 850