What is the best way to clean air flow meter with out damaging it (have heard brake cleaner is the best way)and what are the facts about oil from the air filter (K&N) clogging it up is this true anyone?

 

no names no pack drill...... but:
certain filters have got oil or gunk in them and this can get forced from the filter and onto the MAF sensor, oil gets hot, causes MAF to miss-read and (Im assuming) Det™.
bad thing det, eats engines...
Another problem that has been alleged is that MY99/00 cars have weak MAF sensors and a cone or induction filter can cause vibration and this again can damage the MAF, causeing Det, det`s bad etc etc.

Personally, I am running on a green cotton panel filter which was £47 to my door and it has given me no problems so far with a full decat system.
As for cleaning your MAF and/or Lambda sensors....
dont bother, buy new.
MAF is £70 new from subaru, Lambda can be bought under a generic name of L300 from Halfords for £25!!
£100 (with change) isnt really a lot of dosh when you consider the potential cost of engine damage..
hope to have helped, mail me if you need more advice.
Andy

ps the above is of course IMHO and could be complete twoddle, but its worked for me and thats no bad thing really.