Using a pair of needle nosed pliers, I managed to pull the seal out. It looks as though someone had connected the MAP sensor with the seal off centre causing it to warp. Without a doubt, this must be causing a vacuum leak.

Whether or not the MAP sensor I currently have is working properly – I don’t know – but I do know that the readings it gives to the ECU are next to useless.

At the moment my car idles high if it’s moving, and is achieving 20 MPG. I intend to replace the MAP sensor shortly, and will report any changes.