MAF sensor problems

[D90]

Hi all.
over the last few months i have noticed the Defender is very slow to get going and has little power, mainly in low gears and especially when the engine is cold. The Turbo is also very jolty and far from smooth. After searching past threads i thought it might have been a problem with the MAFF sensor. I disconnected the sensor and the car is transformed. Alot more low end power (even when cold) and turbo is alot smoother.
I tried cleaning the sensor and it made no diff.

Question 1... does that mean the problem is defiantly the MAFF?

Question 2... does driving with the disconneted MAFF cause any damage/problems apart from possible higher fuel usage?

Thanks

[D90]

After more reading.... i understand it could be the EGR value being stuck open. Is there a way to isolate the problem between the MAF and the EGR?

[dullbird]

You can blank off the EGR completely it doesn't hurt the engine and can give small improvements in performance and also help the engine run a little smoother.

at least if you do this its one thing you can eliminate.

Also if your turbo hoses are not new give them a good inspection they can delaminate on the inside causing the hoses to collapse restricting airflow this well effect performance immensely and if bad enough can cause the car to smoke a fair bit..

good luck:)