Ok Kevin,
This morning I have checked the air filter although I knew it was a new one I fitted a month ago.
EGR: took it off and it was clean inside, a little black was all but the inards moved freely so I gave it a quick brush up and put it back.
MAF: Took all hoses off and checked the electrical connectors. They were all nice and tight and all were clean inside. The MAF sensor itself was clean and bright anyway. I put the hoses back and reconnected the electrics.
FUSE BOX. Relays, fuses and fusable links links were all checked for security and loosness. No problems were found.
FUEL: As always there was loads of it when the pipe unions were cracked open.
I took off the windscreen scuttle then I checked all other connectors that I could see and particularly those at the back of the engine. All were secure and remarkably clean. There was no unconnected pipes or other connectors that I could see.
Here we go thinks I, time for a tryout. It started first crack and I let it run for a while and as soon as the cold choke came off I disconnected the MAF plug and allowed it to run for a while, then I unplugged the EGR and let it continue to run. It ran a bit rough as was expected and the EML light was lit on the dash (expected).
Just to be certain I did this test by starting with them firstly connected and then again with them disconnected. Same result!
It ran quite well but I had to jam the throttle open a little to keep it running. After about 15 mins running and reaching its usual running temperature it again just cut out without warning and would not start. I checked the fuel and as expected there was more than enough there. Being a bit issed off I went for a cuppa and after about 15 mins went to it and it started again as though nothing was amiss!
I have left it now until the other 2 CS sensors arrive probably tomorrow.
All I did after that was to re-route the CS sensor wire at the back of the engine under the Scuttle to more reachable position in readiness.
I will trickle charge the battery tonight to put back what it took out so its in top form again.
Who said life is like a bowl of cherries?