Re: O2 sensor splice: crimp or solder?

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/27/1999 Orin Eman <orin@wolfenet.com> writes:

<< There are some O2 sensors that this doesn't work for... at least according 
to GM who have a TSB on the subject.  Some sensors get their reference air 
thru the wires and the solder/heatshrink can block it. >>

Interesting. Orin, since you are one of our resident experts in this, can you 
comment specifically on the three-wire o2 sensors used in our Audis? On my 
car when I recently changed the o2 sensor, I found the work done for the PO 
involved a Japanese sensor that was spliced in using (non-water proof) butt 
splices. Crappy workmanship too.

Not wishing to reopen the solder vs. crimp thread, I can't see how the Audi 
sensors would be effected by "some kind of splice" in the wires between the 
factory connectors and the sensor so long as the splices are secure, water 
proof, and far enough up the wires so as not to be subjected to excess heat 
from the EM (and turbo on turbo cars). AFAIK, the Bosch sensor design 
(talking older Audis...I have no working knowledge of new ones) has vent 
holes in the back of the sensor body for reference air.

Since the list consensus in the past has always been "it is okay to splice so 
long as you use the correct (heated or not heated) Bosch sensor" in your 
opinion is this practice really okay or should we all start shopping for the 
O.E. sensor with the appropriate wire length and connectors? TIA

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq