deliriousga

I removed the O2 sensor while doing the clutch on the S4 and the part that plugs into the cats is pretty dirty.

Does anyone know if it can be cleaned with anything before I put it back in? Can I use a scratch brush or similar to get the coating of junk off or a spray cleaner of some type?

I don't want to get the stuff off if there is a coating on the sensor that needs to stay. The new ones look like exposed, plain metal so I'm thinking it will be ok to clean off.

Thanks!

Daniel Dudley

This is such an important part that I wouldn't mess with it. Don't spray anything on it. If it has more than 20K and it is real cruddy, replace it. Also, I have heard of people torching off soot, but any other contaminant is permanent, and I woudn't torch one myself. Honestly, the best time to replace these is when you have it out. You can almost always feel the difference, and your gas mileage should improve. This is a standard tuneup item that is good for 40K. They can degrade over time, and still ''work''.

Garth S

If the gas slots to the sensor element are open, and the sensor is still operational, it is doing its job - and the crap on the outer can is only cosmetic. If the slots are plugged, you can carefully scrape/chip the deposits away with a small blade: I would not use any form of solvent or aggressive mechanical (eg., wire brush) type of cleaning.
Reinstall with a small amount of anti-seize - avoiding the business end, any such contamination can kill the sensor element.

edit: if you're quick like a bunney, Red has a Bosch 3-wire for sale - https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/190338-3-wire-universal-oxygen-sensor-for-sale.html - looks too good to pass up ...

mspiegle

for the price, I would buy a brand new one (universal)

deliriousga

Thanks guys.

Garth, I picked that one up and should get it in a few days. Thanks for the heads up.

Jfrahm

Yes, you can clean them with a torch. Also, 'tis said running some nitrous on the motor cleans them up nice too. Going to the local auto parts store for a Mustang or Taurus sensor, on the other hand, also works.

I have also heard the 5 wire wide/narrow sensor from a late model VW could be used. It has wideband capability for future tuning, and they are a whopping $38 from 1stvwparts.

LSU sensor info:
http://wbo2.com/lsu/default.htm

The Gray and white wires on the VW sensor are for the heater and the black wire is the narrowband signal.
-Joel.