Disconnecting O2 Sensor- What's the Advantage

[Jcon]

It seems like a lot of people disconnect the O2 sensor, including the previous owner of my SC. What's the advantage versus leaving it connected? Given that this would also have some impact on the pressure within the fuel distributer (via the lamda unit unit) aren't there downsides as well?

The more I recconect stuff the last guy worked around the better the car runs. I reconnected my decel valve and the car runs more smoothly.

Anyway, I'm looking at purchasing a new O2 sensor and hooking it back up, but thought I'd check with you guys.


Jeff C

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

I had the same issue-the previous owner had disconnected it and the o2 warning light. Took me a bit to reconnect it all and get the warning sensor reconnected again. I had to then reset the warning light after I replaced the o2 sensor...runs great and it should be getting better emissions as I live in Denver and that's a concern.

I believe that Porsche had a reason to connect it. Some people have said that having it hooked up can cause the car to run a bit rough, but I've never seen it. Mine's hooked up and it works fine...

[Jim Smolka]

On Motronic FI systems, if one injector is applying too much fuel, the DME brain will try to lean the system. No you have 5 cylinders running lean and one running rich. Disconnect the O2 sensor, and one may think they have 'fixed' the problem since the car is running better...

The O2 sensor should be there and the car should run OK. If it does not, then there is another problem else where in the system.

Of course, race cars are a different story.

[chuckr]

My 83SC runs better without the O2.The car needs to be properly tuned to run without it though, you just cannot unplug it.... well, you can,,, but,
it is best to have it set up on a 4 gas analizer.