I decided I need to gut my MAF. I removed the screens long ago. How do you disassemble the working unit including heat sinks and fine wire element from the plastic housing so this can easily be done? I removed the four small screws on one side but it won't come apart and obviously has more under the plastic cover. So how do you do it?

 

You have to remove the plastic side cover and mess with the insides of the MAF electronics. I wouldnt do it if I were you, way too easy to damage it. Better off just doing what everyone else does and carefully cut the fins with a hacksaw blade. Taping things up (especially where the thin wire is) before sawing would be a good idea.

 

I was afraid you were going to say that. Thanks!

 

I, myself used a file to shave down the fins on the inside of my MAF, takes a bit longer, but it's a bit more of a smoother surface than using a hacksaw blade to chop them off.