idles fine, full acceleration seems great, but in between lots of ignition cutting out - '88 90 4 cyl

[Len & Bonnie Lubbers]

While I only got a few replies, it looks like that's all I needed.  As
Duncan suggested, the O2 sensor is broken... right in two.

I have priced the sensor and done some research on the archives. It appears
there is some debate whether a sensor is a sensor is a sensor.  My sensor is
the one wire type.  I have been unable to get a local source with a good
price.  VW wants 235.00; other prices range from 200.00 to 250.00 (for an
Eckland).  I can get a Walker sensor for 60.00 in Toronto and Montreal but
these are not within driving distance and will not ship. (all prices CDN)

QUESTION 1:  Any suggestions for an alternate?  That is, what do I ask for
at a parts counter?   From the archives I found the references to an 89
Mustang or Tauras.  Turns out its a 3 wire unit. :(

QUESTION 2: Can I rig a 3 wire sensor from my 1990 parts Jetta to work?  I
understand these have a heater.  Is the heater necessary?  Does the heater
stay on?  If so, I would have no trouble wiring in a relay.

TIA

Len Lubbers
'88 90 4 cyl, 2wd
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada


From: "Duncan Thomson" <duncan at systemcontrols.co.nz>
To: "Len & Bonnie Lubbers" <lubbers at sympatico.ca>; <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: idles fine, full acceleration seems great, but in between lots
of ignition cutting out - '88 90 4 cyl


Len,

No real knowledge here, but thought I'd try to fill in until someone
knowledgeable comes back online...!
Maybe related to the O2 sensor...?
The ISV will keep it smooth at idle, and I believe the system ignores
the 02 sensor (goes open loop) at full throttle, so maybe this would
result in the symptoms you mention...?

Just a thought, and if nothing else it might bring some attention back
to your post...!

cheers
Duncan