fouled 02 sensor

[juanbenae]

would running the wrong grade/viscosity oil cause an 02 sensor to fail? it is a civic.

tia

[widebody911]

Not unless you're burning a lot of oil!

[Jims5543]

Its a typical problem with Civics. Is it a mid 90's Civic?

Unfortunatly the replacement costs about $125-$150. The $20 universal one at the NAPA store will not work.

[juanbenae]

yeah, a 97. ive called around and found them for right around $100. i think i can find one on line for a bit less but need it pronto like. the thing won't even idle now.

i may try to remove the thing and clean it up with some brake parts cleaner this weekend. would using a propane torch to clean it up a little help in the least? i was able to clean the fouled one on my 99 toyota truck using brake parts cleaner. it was for a pre-sale smog test, so i don't know if it went on working for long.

worst thing is my DMV renewal came in the mail like three days ago. a typical example of timing in my life....

[RickM]

Why so pricey? Is it a wide band sensor?

[Bill Verburg]

The #1 cause of death of O sensors(after old age) is the silicon in the cleaners/polish etc that people use. A little sprayed on the dash, can and does make it's way into the exhaust.

lesson, use cleaners/polish etc w/o silicon in them

[juanbenae]

i suck, and so does my civic.

i opened the hood to find the 02 sensor right after the exhaust manifold in the motor compartment. i was not even going to have to buy the special socket with the wire notch because i could remove a shroud and get it with an open end wrench. i rule!

well, after removing the shroud i found that the exhaust manifold and cataletic converter were one unit. thinking what a nightmare should your cat go bad

[juanbenae]

i suck, and so does my civic.

i opened the hood to find the 02 sensor right inr the exhaust manifold in the motor compartment. i was not even going to have to buy the special socket with the wire notch because i could remove a shroud and get it with an open end wrench. i rule!

well, after removing the shroud i found that the exhaust manifold and cataletic converter were one unit. thinking, "what a nightmare should your cat go bad you'd have to pay a king's ransom to replace the cat and manfold", chuckling to myself.

well upon closer inspection the manafold, where the 02 sensor bung resides is cracked. not just a bit, but an open crack about 2 1/2" long. wide as the gran canyon,, no wonder it would not idle.. it had a big ol hole sucking air right before the cat.

see, who sucks more than me? the ransom will be paid.