cleaning o2 sensors?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: MI
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? The way you clean o2 sensors is with contact cleaner, if the auto parts store around you doesn't have it go to a electical supply store they will have it. <img src="graemlins/camaro.gif" border="0" alt="[Chevrolet]" />
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? Why bother? How do you know it's the culprit?
For all the hassle and potential problems associated with 'cleaning' a sensor, $100 seems like pretty cheap insurance to me for a properly performing system.
Cleaning with solvents is universally not recommended because the sensor surface is active in the transport of ions across the electrode. Contact with organic solvents can, sometimes, lead to a cure worse than the problem. Also, because these sensors work in a relative mode, they must have reliable access to outside air (~ 21% O2). This access is usually provided by the portals for the heater and seensor wires. Solvents can swell the insulation and potentially block or restrict these openings.
Good luck.
For all the hassle and potential problems associated with 'cleaning' a sensor, $100 seems like pretty cheap insurance to me for a properly performing system.
Cleaning with solvents is universally not recommended because the sensor surface is active in the transport of ions across the electrode. Contact with organic solvents can, sometimes, lead to a cure worse than the problem. Also, because these sensors work in a relative mode, they must have reliable access to outside air (~ 21% O2). This access is usually provided by the portals for the heater and seensor wires. Solvents can swell the insulation and potentially block or restrict these openings.
Good luck.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,060
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From: MI
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? [quote]Originally posted by Fran D:
<strong>Why bother? How do you know it's the culprit?
For all the hassle and potential problems associated with 'cleaning' a sensor, $100 seems like pretty cheap insurance to me for a properly performing system.
Cleaning with solvents is universally not recommended because the sensor surface is active in the transport of ions across the electrode. Contact with organic solvents can, sometimes, lead to a cure worse than the problem. Also, because these sensors work in a relative mode, they must have reliable access to outside air (~ 21% O2). This access is usually provided by the portals for the heater and seensor wires. Solvents can swell the insulation and potentially block or restrict these openings.
Good luck.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Contact cleaner is what we use at GM to clean 02's it will completely disapate. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
<strong>Why bother? How do you know it's the culprit?
For all the hassle and potential problems associated with 'cleaning' a sensor, $100 seems like pretty cheap insurance to me for a properly performing system.
Cleaning with solvents is universally not recommended because the sensor surface is active in the transport of ions across the electrode. Contact with organic solvents can, sometimes, lead to a cure worse than the problem. Also, because these sensors work in a relative mode, they must have reliable access to outside air (~ 21% O2). This access is usually provided by the portals for the heater and seensor wires. Solvents can swell the insulation and potentially block or restrict these openings.
Good luck.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Contact cleaner is what we use at GM to clean 02's it will completely disapate. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? Good to know!
I was told that any fluid can screw up 02's. I wonder if the folks who get o2 codes after heads and cam had coolent run down the headers/manifolds and dripped onto the 02's.
O2's are pretty expensive btw. I am on my 3rd set.
I was told that any fluid can screw up 02's. I wonder if the folks who get o2 codes after heads and cam had coolent run down the headers/manifolds and dripped onto the 02's.
O2's are pretty expensive btw. I am on my 3rd set.
Staging Lane
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 66
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From: Frankton, In
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? I've changed (3 each side in little over a year)after installing the lts. It's always been insuficient switching or slow response. I belive it's the position of the sensor( at least 12-15 " farther down the line) that causes most of the problems.They get sooted on start-up and never get burnt off properly, after so many start-ups they don't conform & read to the GM pcm standards, thus setting a code.I'v got one setting a code now & i'm going to try to burn it of with my torch to try to bring it back to life.
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Re: cleaning o2 sensors? [quote]Originally posted by smokin' joe 00 ss:
<strong>
Contact cleaner is what we use at GM to clean 02's it will completely disapate. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
I don't doubt that you do.
However, such a procedure is diammetrically opposed to recommendations made to and by Powertrain in 1994. An FMEA showed that the warranty exposure didn't justify anything other than a 'non-serviceable' element. Quoting from the GM Service Manual (emphasis is mine):
Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the oxygen sensor. Keep the in-line connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type. Do not repair the wiring, the connector, or the terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, the terminals, or the connector is damaged. Proper oxygen sensor operation requires an external air reference. This external air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, the connectors, or the terminals results in the obstruction of the air reference and degrades the oxygen sensor performance.
Anyway, my only comment, an ounce of prevention....
(BTW, if you don't take off the shield, I'm not sure what you are cleaning.)
<strong>
Contact cleaner is what we use at GM to clean 02's it will completely disapate. <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
I don't doubt that you do.
However, such a procedure is diammetrically opposed to recommendations made to and by Powertrain in 1994. An FMEA showed that the warranty exposure didn't justify anything other than a 'non-serviceable' element. Quoting from the GM Service Manual (emphasis is mine):
Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the oxygen sensor. Keep the in-line connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type. Do not repair the wiring, the connector, or the terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, the terminals, or the connector is damaged. Proper oxygen sensor operation requires an external air reference. This external air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, the connectors, or the terminals results in the obstruction of the air reference and degrades the oxygen sensor performance.
Anyway, my only comment, an ounce of prevention....
(BTW, if you don't take off the shield, I'm not sure what you are cleaning.)
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,060
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From: MI
Re: cleaning o2 sensors? Yes I know what the manual says but beleave me GM doesn't throw all those 02's away that might get alittle grease on the from the anti seize on the threads or from the assembly line worker if they are in any type of shape they will clean them. Contact cleaner is used to clean inside elecrtic motors and leave no residue, some 02's it will work on and then some it won't and they are easy to get to so give it a try and if the 02 is to far gone then buy a new one <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">
