Oxy sensor cleanable?

[Adamal]

So the daily SW is running a bit rich according to the spark plugs.
This would explain also why I'm getting turbo like mileage with N/A performance!

So I've got the other SW I could take the oxy sensor out of, but I'm wondering if its possible to clean the existing one? And if there is any way in particular that I should be going about it.

[jondee86]

According to the interweb, there are two possibilities.... although due
to liability issues, no-one is prepared to say they will work for sure

The first involves heating the sensor tip with the inner part of a hot
butane flame until it just starts to show red. This will burn off oil
contamination, and some of the sooty crud. Brush any heavy carbon
buildup off the outside of the cage first.

The second way involves spraying with a "no residue" electronics
cleaning spray, such as CRC brand "QD electronic cleaner". Again
clean off any heavy carbon buildup first, being careful not to damage
the sensor tip.

Anecdotal evidence is that either method can result in improved engine
performance and better fuel economy. I would suggest that you find
out where you can get a new sensor, before you start cleaning

Cheers... jondee86

[rollaholic]

I would suggest that you find
out where you can get a new sensor, before you start cleaning

i wish my boss would follow this logic!

[Voyeur]

I use the crc method every 12 months, and it makes a huge difference, sometimes up to 100k's off a tank

[Adamal]

Well it occoured to me that it just started happening all of the sudden, so it probably means that the sensor is poked anyway. If it was getting clogged, it would have been a progressive decline into poor economy.

Luckily I have a spare SW! The engine in that will end up being taken out eventually...... Eventually.... anyway.

Thanks for the input anyway guys

And from jondee86's suggestions, they all sound too technical for my abilities anyway!

[Jonno2002]

heres an odd piece of info, my oxy sensor wasnt working properly due to being a single wire and too far from the hot manifold, so installed a heated sensor and that fixed all the wierd issues like idle and somtimes surging on accel, BUT did NOTHING for economy lol wierd aye

[ChaosAD]

doesnt surging mean its running lean? in which case it will add more fuel to correct it

[Jonno2002]

it was more of a lagg like just bogged hard when pulling out of intersections, was weird as but went away completely after installing a heated oxy sensor, aparently when the sensor doesnt work it goes into closed loop mode or some shit (i should mention this is on my honda not my toyotas)

[postfach]

I've heard leaving it in a jar/bowl/glass of vinegar overnight will clean it up ok since it is a weak acid, can't confirm this as I've never tried it myself but I've read it and been told about it by mulitple people.

[Adamal]

Well I've replaced the Oxy sensor with a spare one that I had in an exhaust that I forgot about, and instant difference. Runs much smoother when cold, no bogging down.
I've also changed the fuel filter today (God help me Japanese designers must try piss us off on purpose) and the fuel that came out of the old filter was BROWN. That has not been done.... Probably since it came out of the factory!!!

[sergei]

don't use chemicals, or solvents, use butane torch method.

[MAGN1T]

You can even get (measure) an output voltage with a gas torch, so long as you do it right.

As for cleaning, they have a limited life, just like sparkplugs.

Steve