o2 sensor/ question
 

hello, i need some help....i hope i found my problem to the slight miss and stumble when cold.....a few months ago i ha my cat changed by a "reputable shop in west l.a.cafter the change the car would not idle well or warm up as it used to before, high idle would stay on for enough to warm the car so there ws no back popping etc. now i sometimes get very little or now high idle. doing some clean up to day and noticed the o2 senor had a slice in the plug cap and the sensor was loose. my questions are:
!. is the o2 sensor a slip fit on to the male plug (metal plug in picture)
2. can i tape the rubber boot to get a snug fit or do i need to replace the whole thing...boot seems like it can be sealed. hoping this will solve the mystery cold running issues i have been having...if so my new year is starting off right.
thanks, ben

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1325618164.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1325618195.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1325618228.jpg

The metal to metal fit is all required. All those connectors are breaking down now and falling apart.
Bruce

bruce,
thanks did not know if i needed to replace the whole thing...BTW if it was loose do you think this could cause a lean or rich running mix...the garage said they adjusted the idle screw and i am thinking i should try to start all over again to reach some sort of baseline...your thoughts?
regards, ben