# The Black "Security" Goo in my MAF Sensor Torx Head

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 23, 2008, 12:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095 "2008-10-23T00:34:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![admitted\_amateur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@admitted\_amateur](https://community.cartalk.com/u/admitted_amateur)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 12:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095/1 "2008-10-23T00:34:25Z")

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All I wanted to do was pull my MAF sensor and clean it. There are 4 “security” Torx head screws holding it in. Those are no problem - (I’ve been meaning to get a set anyway).  
  
  
  
 The one that is a problem is the one head that is filled in with the hardened black goo (epoxy?)  
  
  
  
 I have to guess that there is a smart way to deal with this - but I don’t know what it is. As I understand it MAF sensors are fairly delicate instruments so I don’t want to beat the hell out the unit.  
  
  
  
 Is this stuff typical, and is there a solvent or something that will soften it up for removal?  
  
  
  
 I had thought of taking out the Dremel with a cutting head, and cutting myself a slot for a plain old fashioned screwdriver (since I will likely replace the screw either way).  
  
  
  
 Anyway, before I started acting like a hack I figured I’d try to find out if there is a “right” way to do it.

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**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095/2 "2008-10-23T01:00:54Z")

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I would try a instrument like a dental pick. Are you sure they are “security” torx? (with a post in the center)

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095/3 "2008-10-23T01:11:59Z")

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Got a soldering iron/gun? That’s what you use to burn out the anti-tamper compound.

Tester

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**Author:** ![admitted\_amateur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/94ad74/32.png) [@admitted\_amateur](https://community.cartalk.com/u/admitted_amateur)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2008, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-black-security-goo-in-my-maf-sensor-torx-head/21095/4 "2008-10-23T01:16:59Z")

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See - I knew someone would know. I do have a soldering iron & I’ll let you all know how it turns out. Thanks!