Oxygen sensor question...

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I want to install my cat by-pass pipe this weekend and I'd be real surprised if my O2 sensor comes out of my cat. I say this because it took several hours to remove andreplace the very rusted cat bolts a while ago.

I thought an O2 sensor could be had for around $40. Now I'm seeing them for $109-$160 all over the Internet. For that kind of cash, I may try a little harder to get my old one out. I've already posted about getting the old one out, but does anyone know if a)I can get by with a cheap new one, b) specs, c) price d) where to buy it tomorrow? Thanks.

ferrari2porsche · 07-26-2002, 07:11 AM

I saw an O2 sensor for sale on Vertex website for $59.00.

http://www.**********.com/epcproductdetail.epc?cookieID=0Q50NWJHP&subcatid=0089&catid=113

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Thanks - no time for catalogues here. I really wonder what the difference is between a $59 and a $130 O2 sensor is.

dickster · 07-26-2002, 07:24 AM

richard

if the cats junk anyway, why not cut the sensor out carefully?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I need to save the cat for my next emissions inspection in 2 yrs. and I don't want a gaping hole (O2 port) in my cat by-pass pipe. I can probably round up a cat and O2 sensor in 2 yrs., should I junk the one I have. But I need an O2 sensor in my new pipe.

Dan Owens · 07-26-2002, 07:29 AM

Richard,

If you soak your old one with a rust cutter over night you'll probaly be able to get it out without too much trouble. As for the price spread on new ones it's bacisally Porsche parts or aftermarket. The Vertex ones are OEM at the higher price and a "generic" for cheaper. I think the generic is about $70. I've heard from a number of people that the generic is fine and works just as well as an OEM one but I don't know it to be true or not. I'd love to hear from someone that knows for sure, if there is anyone out there.

Dan O
'84 3.2

targa911man · targa911man's Garage

Richard--

Take a shot at getting the sensor out before ordering a new one. I got mine out when replacing the original cat on my '85, and I had to grind off the mounting bolts. I think the sensor is more protected from moisture and road crap because of it sitting on top of the cat.

dickster · 07-26-2002, 07:42 AM

Quote:

I think the generic is about $70. I've heard from a number of people that the generic is fine and works just as well as an OEM one but I don't know it to be true or not. I'd love to hear from someone that knows for sure, if there is anyone out there.

i'm using one - fine so far. (4 months)

JDaniel · JDaniel's Garage

Soak it with penetrating oil (nothing with silicon), get a good strong wrench, give it a few sharp blows with a hammer (in the direction of your choice). It should free up... or snap off (ha ha).
It took me hoouurrs to get off the retining bolts, but the O2 sensor came off really easy.

I wouldn't trash my cat if I were you. They can be expensive to replace. If you can't remove the sensor just buy another. They should be replaced after 60k miles.
The "generic" sensors ususally need to be cut and have your connector spliced in. Be sure to buy one with the correct # of wires.