Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2005 23:50:08 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: oops, more questions on O2 sensors
In-Reply-To: <3u3f9p$19t3js@smtp04.mrf.mail.rcn.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Joy,
I can not believe that you had a new engine installed and then sent on
your way with the O2 sensor disconnected. Yes, the sensor may have been
ruined by the engine failure. The temp 2 sensor was probably also
damaged along with the thermostat, gauge sensor, and anything else that
could be damaged by heat, steam, or contamination. A new engine should
have everything working properly, especially for extended traveling.
The O2 sensor is easily damaged by soot or any other fluid/vapor
contaminant. Even some engine sealers will mess it up. Engine oil has
recently been reformulated as it was destroying O2 sensor and catalysts.
To make things worse, new ones are not always good. The universal Bosch
sensors properly spliced usually work fine. They are easily checked with
a good digital volt meter. Poor O2 sensor response is often caused by
bad wiring or a ground problem. Since your engine was just replaced,
ground connections are a place to start. Since you have driven some
distance with the O2 sensor disconnected, the catalyst is probably
toasted also. Also, the O2 sensor should have a heat shield/deflector on
it so that it stays hot and road spray doesn't get to it. I'll bet the
shield is missing.
An excessively rich mixture is also harmful to your new engine. The
excess fuel will dilute the oil so if you have been black smoke puffing
for long, an oil and filter change is in order.
Get the universal sensor, get it working.
I hope you eventually get to just drive,
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Joy Hecht
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 11:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: oops, more questions on O2 sensors
I studied the busdepot O2 sensor options after I sent my previous email,
and
realized that the difference in price is not OE vs. after-market, but
it's
whether I use the connectors I have or get an O2 sensor that comes with
them.
$100 is a lot to pay for new connectors!
Do they tend to be what's gone bad? Or is it the sensor itself? Is
there a
way to tell if something's wrong with the connectors? Why would I want
new
ones?
I have been driving Matilda with the O2 sensor disconnected since the
new
Boston Bob engine went in. Put on 1200 miles, she's running great.
Then I
remembered that the O2 sensor wasn't connected, so I reconnected it.
Then
she ran doggy, low power especially getting going, and black soot in the
exhaust pipe. Disconnected it again and she runs fine. Which seems
like
good evidence that the O2 sensor got fried when the old engine did.
But how do I know whether I need new connectors or I can just get the
sensor?
Joy
****************************************************************
Joy Hecht
and Matilda, 1989 Burgundy Vanagon
For musings about life and the vanadventures:
http://users.rcn.com/jhecht/gypsy
****************************************************************
