oxygen sensor question?

[chuck88]

Is there a way to clean oxygen sensors?

I have an 88 Mustang GT that seems to fail inspection every time and the solution is always replace the dirty oxygen sensors. I was wondering if I could clean the sensors before inspection.

The car sits a lot due to a busy job and two kids.

Thanks in advance

Chuck88

[Gearhead999]

I've tried to clean them, but they never worked right when I reinstalled them. I used Carb. cleaner.

[Capri306]

They are NOT cleanable. The tip of the actual sensor is ceramic, and is porous. Therefore, if you try to spray any sort of cleaner in there, it will make the sensor ineffective. Think of trying to clean spark plugs: no good way to do it, just replace 'em.

BTW, they're good for at least 30k miles. You have something else going wrong if they don't last that long. Possibly oil fouling? Vacuum leak? Just throwing out some ideas.

[Lethal5Oh]

While i dont know of a way of cleaning 02s while there out, i know of a product that will clean them as you drive. Try to find a dealership or private garage that sells BG products. Ask for a product called 44k, it says right on the can that it cleans 02s, cats, as well as the rest of the fuel system. I use this product at work (I work on nissans) and in my own car. It does make a difference. check out www.bgprod.com

[PKRWUD]

O2 sensors can be cleaned, but not with cleaners. Use a propane torch. Really.

[Rev]

Just be glad it wasn't a Lexus at the dealership. My son called me yesterday and asked if $400 for an O2 sensor was reasonable? I said not no, but hell no. He confronted the service manager who called in the mechanic.

It seemed to me that reading the computer malfunction code and then replacing a part that should be as easy as replacing a spark plug should take maybe 1/2 hour (who wants to work on a hot exhaust part?).

It turned out that the part was $196 + 1 hour minimum for diagnostic work + 1 hour minimum for the install + tax on the part. Service is $110/ hr. They did credit him $60 just to shut him up. You do get top notch service from them, but you pay a lot too it seems to me.

If it was me, I would have read the computer error code myself (might have had to borrow, or rent the code reader). Bought the Lexus part myself at net price ($100?) and spent the 20 minutes needed for the install. I bet I could do it for $150.

Not begrudging $$$ for good work. Just seems like $400 was alot.

Rev

[Gearhead999]

There are some Honda 02's that are close to $300 for the part.

You can always save money if you do-it-yourself. But, not everyone can and not everyone wants too.

You can paint your house, yourself for the price of the paint and rollers. But, not everyone wants too. Me for one. And I'll pay a professional to do it.

I don't see where the charge at Lexus is excessive. They are a business and are there to make a profit.

[Rev]

Gearhead, I bet if you were doing that job you would charge $200-300 at the most. We all know that part of a shop's profit lies in the "net" versus "list" price for the part. I often pay extra for OEM parts just to get the quality that usually is there. When I buy parts from a dealership, they will usually charge me their net price since I'm doing it myself.

I'm not really begrudging the dealership an honest compensation. $400 for that O2 sensor just seems excessive to me.

Rev