Changed o2 sensor

[daveimme]

Friday afternoon, while running around doing errands (took the day off), I stopped by my mechanics to possibly test/change the o2 sensor since someone gave me a used one, I would see if I saw an improvement. I was surprised to see that my o2 sensor is one wire and connects to just one wire, but the wire that it connects to has a 2- connector end on the cars side (???) that were not plugged into anything. I left the car running and removed the plug; no change in idle or anything.

I recall reading the carfax report on this car that it failed emissions in Virginia and then passed three days later. It appears that the o2 sensor was replaced then and with a one wire unit. Anyway, I went to Advanced auto parts and just asked to see one that they had so I could see what a new one looked like and was surprised at two things, first, it was $17.99 for the 'universal' one wire plug (wire was only 3-4 inches long with a connector to be crimped (not solder) to existing wire). In the engine bay, again, I see it had just one plug.

The car runs no different, but I *think* the real rich smell has either disappeared of is greatly reduced. I have yet to fill the tank since then (160 miles on this last tank full after the o2 replacement), so I wonder if the universal is really making a difference?

The second thing is only being $17.99, and a bosch, too. That surprised me more than anything else.

I am still going to look and see if I can find a shop in town that has a CO tester (gas analyzer) to see if the AF mixture is correct.

[Stuttgarter]

I failed the e-check last year and replaced the 02 sensor with the the same universal bosch replacement for 17.99. This change put the numbers back to what they needed to be for the e-check. I also noticed that the rich fuel smell when away and I got a little better lower RPM performance.

[daveimme]

Yeah, I noticed the same additional kick down low......not sure if it was me, or the car was actually feeling spiffier.

Now, if I can find 6 more new lifters (cheap) for this thing, I can replace them cuz they are loud! $45-50 / lifter it too expensive. Thank goodness I only have an 8 valve 944!!

[Stuttgarter]

Might be cheaper to go with a salvage cam housing w/lifters. I saw one this morning on e-bay for $40. 40 bucks is a lot cheaper than the $200 - $250 you gonna pay for new lifters.

[daveimme]

Point me to the e bay ad and I'll make an offer.......I have the help to do it mechanically, so that's not an issue....

[Stuttgarter]

Here's the link to the camshaft and cover I was talking about.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439006887&category=33614

[SoCal Driver]

If you have a chance get the later cam for your early engine. About 6 degrees more duration on the exhaust valves. A little extra oomph!

[daveimme]

How much oomph are we talking here? How later of a cam are we talking? Any 8v cam from an 85.5 up??

I take it that the later cam would fit right in, but how about the whole cam box bolting on.....would that fit right in there?

[TCMdocs944]

Good question about the cam box bolt-on......

Are us earlies the only ones with one wire o2's?