Another O2 Sensor quetion

[shuzboomer]

A few months back I had my 81 Targa towed to a local Porsche "Specialist" to diagnose why my car stalled and would not start.

This was the first time the car had stranded me at the side of the road and unfortunately at the time I did not have the intimate knowledge of reliability pertaining to Bosch ignition coils from Brazil.

The experience with the mechanic was not a happy one, the wrench spent 3 hours of my money to replace a coil and among other items "disconnect my O2 sensor" due to surging while test-driving"

Since then the car has been running OK with the exception of poor MPG. While slightly annoying at the pump, this was not a top priority for me until now.

I have recently resolved a periodic over-voltage issue that was traced to a bad Alt. This fix has led me to think that my surging problem might have been related to the fluctuating voltage from the Alt.

I would like to reconnect my O2 sensor but as luck would have it, it seems that my one trip to the "specialist" keeps on repeating on me like a bad lunch...

When I found my O2 connector here is what I discovered...Its a sorry example of the male side of the connector.




Here is the other end.




In short, it looks like when they disconnected the sensor they completely destroyed the male end of the plug.

My questions are:

1. What are my options if I want to restore my O2 sensor in my car?

2. How critical is an O2 sensor in the grand scheme of things?

Please let me know that you think.

RBL>

[ManniB]

If you are looking for a replacement of the male connector that is connected to the harness, there is a user named Louie85 who has produced a batch of replacement plugs. I have ordered one from him and it worked great.

- Manfred

[Bob Kontak]

Just JB Weld (epoxy) the base of the connector. I did mine in the 1990's and it is still fine. It is not unusual for the male end to crumble.

However, now that I know about Louie85, would be nice to have that connector looking better than having a clump of glue at the bottom.

[shuzboomer]

How difficult is it to get the end re-spliced, right now I can hardly get my hands on it.

How much do you need to take apart the car to pull this project off.

Thanks for your input.

RBL

[Bob Kontak]

Pull the plastic blower hose for some access. There is a way to disconnect the male plug unit from the frame/box around the engine. It may just be a bolt. Then that part of the wire loom can be moved to the tray area by where the spark plugs go in.

For the short term, I would use epoxy glue at the base of the male connector to give it strength. The connection from the male pin to the Lambda box looks intact so assuming functionality is still present.

I will try to look up Louie's info and post.

Edit: Here is the link

O2 Sensor connector

[dshepp806]

Get a fresh new one, mate!

Best!

Doyle

[shuzboomer]

Thanx fellas' I will dig in this weekend to see what can be done. I have seen some aftermarket sensors on for cheap. Anyone have experience pulling and replacing the original O2 sensor?

Presently I have not traced where it might be hidden, I assume right before the Cat.

Any traps or tricks other than lots of PB blaster and plenty of leverage.

Cheers!