Disco 2 Can running with MAF disconnected restore MPG?

My d2a td5 (no egr no cat from factory) gives me roughly 21 mpg (uk).

I do run 265/75/16 Firestone destination AT (but I already accounted for the odometer difference)...

Reasons why I think my MAF is faulty:

It runs better with it disconnected (more power at low revs, pulls better)
Old owner used a k&n air filter

Tried to clean it but no improvements...

Can running with MAF disconnected restore a better MPG?

If he used a K&N filter then the MAF is probably dead, they let small particles through that break em. MPG will probably be worse, though 21mpg sounds rather low. I average 27mpg from my Defender n thats got much extra weight added.

Clean the MAP Sensor as well, only replace it with a genuine LR or Siemens unit they rest are just ****.

Potentially if it's screwed enough, although it would be better still with a new Genine/OEM replacement (VDO siemens).

Disco runs incredibly better with it disconnected. Pulls much quickly. Will it drives like this with a newer genuine/vdo maf or the moment I connect a maf it goes back to being sluggish?

Hi fellipe, Should run perfectly with new MAF assuming there are no other underlying problems. Apparently with a duff MAF (or with it disconnected) it runs on a default setting but can use more fuel.
Griff

Changing the air filter is important, you dont want anything other than clean air getting through to the MAF
As above K&N filters are bad news

Changed to a paper filter the same week I got my disco

Nice one i change mine every 5000 miles, and i guess your dust levels are twice that of those here

IMO that theory with K&N filter ruining the MAF is a false myth cos i've been using K&N since i own it and had only one MAF failure at the beginning which was more than 100K miles before and it was paper filter untill then... the MAF is rather affected by faulty crankcase breather(depression controll) valve, too high alternator output or clogged paper filter than the microparticles which are passing through the K&N... i can explain all these things but it's a long story, believe me or not

Id agree with the above. I sell flow meters, which is what the MAF is, what really screws up a thermal mass sensor (apart from electronic faults) is moisture, followed by a coating of dirt etc.
I cant see that K&N, who must sell 1000,s of filters will sell a product that can affect a MAF sensor thats fitted to most, new, vehicles and many older ones too.
As usual just my opinion!
Mark
PS Cleaning with anything other than IPA is also not recommended.