Less Smoke - Less Poke?

[C.A.R.]

I'm confused.

My car runs a 125 map and Hoffman straight-through with decat. It used to smoke quite a lot (visibly in 3rd gear) when you were accelerating up to speed. Of late, the smoke has cleared. It doesn't seem to be any more / less economical, but the good old 'bum dyno' gives me the impression that it's not as quick as it was about a month ago.

No warning lights or anything on the dash. Could there be a ghost code in there anyway? Worth plugging in to check?

I'm just wondering what I can do. Some posts suggest un-plugging the MAF, will this cause erratic running? Should I try disconnecting it for the drive home ( ~ 17miles) or is that not a good idea?

New rattle started last week I'm convinced is a heatsheild beneath the gear selector, which is unrelated I hope. I'm now curious as to whether it could be the downpipe leaking though? Although I'd notice the noise surely? It doesn't sound like it's blowing.

What's the chances of the exhaust being blocked? As that's how it feels, almost like I'm being restricted a bit. Can't get under the car til the weekend...

[Midnightclub]

Definitely unplug the MAF and then go from there tbh!

[C.A.R.]

So...

Just went out to unplug the MAF.

It's not plugged in.

MAF plug nowhere to be seen.

Where should it be on the loom? Worried it's been trapped under the battery tray following clutch replacement...

[Midnightclub]

Hmm.. may well be right there! The cable itself is only really JUST long enough to plug into the MAF so it can't be too far away

EDIT: That doesn't really explain the powerloss/lack of smoke though...hmm

[C.A.R.]

Found it. Plugged in, will go for a test drive...

[Poodle]

With no maf the map will default back to assumed values and reduce power, will be more noticeable when the car's mapped. It's only when they start misreading that you get smoke, etc.

[C.A.R.]

Well, car feels suddenly much, much better

Basically didn't notice the gradual change in performance; the clutch was slipping so I took it steady, then we obviously forgot to plug it in during the epic clutch change (thanks again Simon) and I was bedding the clutch in so taking it steady. I've only really recently opened the taps (if you call it that, on an aging French diesel!) and thought, hmm, that Corsa is quick!

Performance (if you can call it that..) is restored!

Moral of the thread - check under your bonnet before you post...

[Ed Doe]

This thread is too funny sounds a lot like at least 3pages of my Astor project thread with me moaning about shit throttle response.... Only to discover I'd forgotten to plug the tps back in after changing the inlet manifold gasket!

[Poodle]

Hahaha quality, at least it was an easy/free fix eh!

[C2K]

Probably overlooked it when I was re-routing your dodgy ass throttle cable.

[THE_Liam]

Reminds me of my mate asking me why he couldn't get his Escort into 5th. Turns out the gear knob was from a 5-speed

[4WayDiablo]

Might sound stupid but now we are getting to the colder months and its a little more nip in the air
The colder air = denser air and so the car is burning more fuel so smokes less

I know me and mark have noticed it previous years with our DT's just where theyre colder they burn more fuel :-)
I do think mine smokes more when its hot out :-)

[Poodle]

What's your point...?

[Midnightclub]

I think someone hasn't read the thread again..