general oxygen sensor question
 

I have a 1992 Toyota pickup, with 110K miles, that probably needs a new oxygen sensor. The old one actually fell out and was dragging on the ground for a while until I put it back in. But I really dont want to spend the money (about $65) unless I have to. Would I be correct in thinking that the only costs to me of running it with a bad O2 sensor is that gas consumption will be higher? Since I only use it for short distance hauling, thats not enough reason to replace it. Even if it shortens the life of the plugs, they are still a lot cheaper than a new O2 sensor. There is no emission test in Iowa.
Anything else to consider?

I know a lot of people disconnect them for running on the track, and I'm pretty sure mine is kaput after experimenting with leaded race gas.

But will you be able to sleep at night?

It'll likey lead to the premature demise of the cat - more expensive than the O2 sensor

Go to the Bosch site and look up the generic sensor part number. Then visit NAPA and get the sensor for cheap(er).

The Bosch generic is $64. The OEM is $130.

Why would I need to replace a dead cat?

It will add to the greenhouse gas problem. OK, only maybe a nanofraction, but it will add. But then, driving a Porsche over an electric car will do that.

I would think that it would only make your car run richer than it needs to. And richer is better than leaner so no worries.

Just what I wanted to hear. My next truck will be a hybrid, to make up for the greenhouse gases.

I picked up a generic Bosch one-wire from Napa for the 944 for like, $23.

Well because a dead cat is a clogged cat, lower perf., MPG, etc.

Now a long chisel or chuck 'o pipe and a hammer can cure the dead cat ;)

How would you know if your cat was dead, anyway?

A good cat will be (I think) about a hundred degrees hotter after than before which shows its burning up those leftover HC tidbits.

On OBD2(post96) the standard was to add an O2 sensor after the cat and compare to the one before. Same frequency=dead cat and dash light lit.
OBD2 also is smart and runs logic tests periodically to see all sensors are working (such as opening the electronic EGR at idle and seeing if the O2 picks that up)