When to replace 02 sensor?

[CT Mike]

My car has a rougher idle than other cars I've heard. However, the car, an 88 targa, is chipped and has a fancy exhaust set up. The idle is rock steady and the car has 55k on it. I've read o2 sensors should be replaced every 30k and do not see it has been done by PO. Is the rough idle which I would describe as rumbly an indication it's time to swap the o2 sensor for a new one? Thanks

[Quicksilver]

I got 225k on my O2 senser b4 I replaced it. Not sure it was bad but I wasn't going to mess around with my smog test.

[Targa Me]

I have an 84 and when my 02 sensor needs replacing its usually indicated by an acceleration hesitation at around 3000 rpm.

Rough idle can be so many other things; tune-up, adj valves, vacuum leak, etc.

Edit: by the way, I've read that an 02 sensor should be replaced every 60K miles.

[Justin@Athens]

It wouldn't hurt--they are not the expensive and you can DIY. I would also suggest buying a can of BG44K or maybe a bottle of techron just to clean the fuel system out a bit.

If that doesn't cut it, redline it a couple times through the gears--give her the old "italian tune-up" rids the car of carbon deposits, and its alot of fun.

Might also consider a new distributor cap and rotor, also cheap and its nice to know their condition--another DIY project.

Also, do a search here on cleaning the ICV--again, very low price of free.

Good luck!

[dshepp806]

All good points from Justin.....preventative items, to say the least,..it's always good to have a solid baseline.

I ran some BG44K through (for the first time),..changing the oil out at ~600 miles..I STILL want to send my injectors off for checks/rework......bet it's never been done on these 23 year old babies....BG seemed to made things a bit "peppy".........I'd sleep better knowing they were bench-verified.....(and she's running JUST FINE, as is),..aside from idle @800 'sh..(should be 880 RPMs),..I need to get the idle set (ICV static postion) as well as the mix, as this could easily be related to idle....I still have the plastic piece (yellow) on the adjustment for idle (while using the "jumper") still in place,...is this piece re-installable? (curious)

BEST!

Doyle

[dshepp806]

As well,..it's time for a fresh O2 sensor, for me......fire up the Kroil!!!!!!!!

BEST!

Doyle