Oxygen sensors

[john at westcoastgarage.net]

Ben Swann wrote:
> BS!
>
> [Date: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:57:50 -0400
> From: radek at istar.ca
> Subject: Oxygen sensors
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> Message-ID: <20090918095750.12236woa0qo6k63i at webmail.uniserve.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; DelSp="Yes";
> 	format="flowed"
>
> Hi guys;
>
> An interesting point came up during my conversations with a Mercedes tech from whom my
> son was buying his first Audi.  He maintained that the practice of splicing in a generic
> oxygen sensor to an old connector (something I've been doing for years) is not a good
> idea because it deprives the sensor from access to outside air, which is used for
> reference.
>
> He said that modern sensors do not have an opening for sampling  
> outside air but instead, get access to it through the wires.   
> Consequently, soldering the wires and sealing the connection closes the opening and the
> sensor gets no access to outside air.
>
> What do you guys make out of this?
> Cheers;
>
> Radek
> 91 V8Q 5-sp
> 88 90Q]
>
>   
Well, it's NOT EXACTLY BS.  Many newer oxygen sensors get their sample 
air through the harness sleeve (but not the wires).  If the sleeve is 
compromised, the sample air can be cut off.  As both a Mercedes tech and 
a Porsche tech (as well as VAG, BMW, and assorted other brands), I know 
this.  (I also pay attention to much of the various technical 
information that clogs both my inbox and my mailbox.)  I'm also known 
for my dislike of the various splice-in O2 sensors, except for the 
single wire variety, and my downright disdain for parts store brands 
such as Wagner. 

John