well it's one step forward two steps back. sump back on but oil all over the place. I need some tips to get it off two more delicate parts.

remembering this is a subaru EJ quad cam motor.

1. a few drops on the timing belt (rubber) and one pulley.
2. a bit more in the mass air flow sensor (don't ask how).

what should I clean it off with. I've already go most of it out of the maf sensor with some degreaser. pls tell me I haven't done the wrong thing?!

brake cleaner
aerostart

For the air flow sensor you should use isopropyl alcohol (did I get that right?). It is good for electrical stuff because it evaporates completely and doesn't leave any residue. Degreasers might be a bit agressive, they tend to eat some light metals (depending on the exact degreaser). WD40 leaves a kero like residue.

WHS^^^
Isopropyl alcohol or IPA is the best for degreasing, use a cotton wool bud, bud
Meths (methylated spirit) would make a good second choice for oil on the MAF.
Trichlorethylene - (maybe brake/carb cleaner in Oz - check) is good too. Now hard to get hold of)

A lot of 'degreasers' contain an oil to stop corrosion. Do not use.

A very good, cheap degreaser is Acetone - beware it can destroy plastics! Nail polish remover might be suitable but most contain moisturisers, a bad thing(TM). If you use a plastic stemed cotton wool bud it will melt the stem.
HTH