O2 Sensor cleaning (1 Viewer)

[tabrez]

Hi,

I just replaced my catalytic converters (both) and installed new ones.

My question is, there are 4 exhaust pipe sensors O2 and Air fuel mixture sensors (i think thats what its called), do i need to replace them with new ones or do i clean them using the ultrasonic machine (which cleans the injectors as well).

What is exactly recommended, i have a doubt, somehow the suv was burning rich which caused a lot of petrol consumption damaging my catalytic converters, so will the existing ones be good so as not to damage my new converters or do i replace them with new ones.

 

[NikP]

My gut says, replace with new ones to be safe. That said there's probably not a down-side to cleaning the existing ones but cleaning may do nothing to change their performance (you'll only know if you have to replace the cat's again).

 

[Sandroad]

I'm ignorant about whether O2 sensors can be successfully cleaned. Normally a failed sensor will trigger a check engine light, especially if the mixture was bad enough to cause cat failure. So me careful diagnostics of the entire air/fuel system would be better than firing the parts cannon or guessing. The labor to R&R the sensors would argue for replacement rather than cleaning.....you only want to do that work once.

 

[OregonLC]

I've never heard of cleaning them. They're a wear part, just replace them. In fact this is a good reminder to me to add that to the preventative maintenance for this summer. The only downside is they can be a bear to get loose sometimes and getting the connectors to release can be finicky.

 

[TeCKis300]

I would highly recommend replacing them. They are not a serviceable part and should be self cleaning as they have an internal heater. They are a wear item even as they normally last 150k+ miles. As your cats have been damaged, it's likely the whole exhaust system has been overheated, which can wear and compromise O2 sensors. Worn sensors respond slower until they exceed a response threshold and will throw a CEL. Ahead of that, there can be benefits to replacing them, with tighter closed loop fuel control, and improved performance and gas mileage.

It should be asked why your cats got damaged. Cats don't fail without reason.

A compromised O2 can be responsible for that. Multiple other reasons too including MAF, fuel, leaded fuel, exhaust leaks, etc.

There is a contingent here that likes to recommend 87 octane for the LX that requires 91 octane fuel. Misfires are a big reason for burned out cats - because excess fuel gets downstream to the cats causing them to burn up. Overtime, with low level knock, uncontrolled flame fronts, pitting, deposit build ups, leading to more misfires - this can be a potential causal issue.

 

[tabrez]

Thanks All,
Have replace the sensors with new ones.

 

[tyranny2k]

Thanks All,
Have replace the sensors with new ones.

Where did you find the replacements? Having trouble sourcing.

 

[bloc]

I changed oxygen sensors (technically air/fuel ratio sensors) about 10k ago at 194k miles. No noticeable change in mileage or power. My originals may have had an easy life though..

 

[ryanCA]

Hi,

I just replaced my catalytic converters (both) and installed new ones.

Which ones did you buy?

 

[grinchy]

If you’re not buying oem, then next best is Denso, which is the one source, from a vendor like Rock Auto that is known for not selling counterfeit. Don’t go down the Amazon route for these.

 

[gasman4u]

If you’re not buying oem, then next best is Denso, which is the one source, from a vendor like Rock Auto that is known for not selling counterfeit. Don’t go down the Amazon route for these.

I would like to offer yet another plea to stay away from Amazon for any auto parts. Too many counterfeits...not every part you get is fake, but every fake part is on there too....

 

[ryanCA]

If you’re not buying oem, then next best is Denso, which is the one source, from a vendor like Rock Auto that is known for not selling counterfeit. Don’t go down the Amazon route for these.

thanks

let me check rock auto - no cat converter there

all my stuff is oem