Re: O2 sensor damage?

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxx>]

Usually an O2 sensor is not damaged from an overly rich mixture. When
you finally lean it out it will come back to life. You CAN damage it
by contamination. If you do not use "sensor safe" silicone gasket
sealer you will not only ruin the O2 sensor currently installed but
any replacements you install! There are tests of the Lambda system you
can do to make sure the rest of the system is functional. Refer to
D:04:15 # 5 A.-E. There have also been cases (not on Deloreans) of
using silicone cleaners on the motor and when the motor was running it
was ingested and contaminated the O2 sensor. If you are using a
digital dwell meter to check the Lambda don't trust it. Most can't
read it right. You really need an old analog type with a needle to get
the readings you want. Remember we are dealing with 80's technology so
you have to try to use the test instuments that the people had
available then.
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "cruznmd" <racuti1@xxxx> wrote:
> Can you ruin an O2 sensor with a super-over rich condition or with 
> excessive heat, say from a glowing cat?
> 
> The dwell meter on my car says the lambda computer and hence the freq 
> valve are not operating properly.
> 
> Since I've been told by multiple sources that the ECU almost -never- 
> dies, the O2 sensor is the most logical next item. The problem is, 
> mine's nearly new. I did have it installed way back when my fuel 
> system was totally hosed. I got the cat converter to glow cherry red 
> a few times.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Rich