can I clean the o2 sensor? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

papershot · 02-11-2005, 05:48 PM

so I blew some welds on my GReddy header (didn't crack this time) and I noticed my o2 sensor was basically all black with carbon. would it be bad to spray this sensor with carb cleaner or something? I noticed most people just replace this sensor and I'm assuming "no", but the Bosch ones are so expensive :\

my car runs fine, so if I can't clean it I'll just put it back in. runs a little rich, but black bumpers don't bother me.

nismo2491 · 02-11-2005, 05:53 PM

uhh I'd suggest against cleaning it, just save up the $90 for a new one.
KEvin

DJPimpFlex · 02-11-2005, 06:54 PM

When you do buy a new one, dont go to kragen.

90RS13 · 02-11-2005, 06:59 PM

It's ok for it to be black. When you get a new one it'lll be black in less than a week too.

***S14DB*** · 02-11-2005, 07:51 PM

Black is fine, gray is good. White is bad.

AlligatorBling · 02-11-2005, 07:52 PM

what the hell are you driving, a ferarri? it shouldnt be that expensive.... but if you want.... try and spray it off, if it fouls out, get a new one.... youd have to eventually anyways...

papershot · 02-11-2005, 08:33 PM

wow, thats a lot of replies in a short time.

anyway, I decided not to mess with it and just put it back in. I was thinking that maybe if it was cleaner than it was it would be...better or something (perhaps helping my running rich thing). yes, yes, black is fine...

and $90 for a sensor doesn't seem expensive? okay. I also think $9 for a small bolt is also expensive, that must mean I drive a ferrari, or thats how much the bolts on the caliper are from the dealer.

jaz · 02-11-2005, 08:52 PM

Do NOT try to clean the sensor. The element inside is very sensitive to solvents like brake cleaner. I would only be concerned if the sensor has oil on it, or some other form of non fuel related contamination. That could cause problems.

***S14DB*** · 02-12-2005, 12:24 AM

Brake job on a Ferrari is $4k. The point is it's all relative. You have to spend money to maintain your car. Don't spend money on performance parts then skimp on maintenance parts.

02-11-2005, 05:48 PM	#1
papershot Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2004 Location: CT Posts: 368 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	can I clean the o2 sensor? so I blew some welds on my GReddy header (didn't crack this time) and I noticed my o2 sensor was basically all black with carbon. would it be bad to spray this sensor with carb cleaner or something? I noticed most people just replace this sensor and I'm assuming "no", but the Bosch ones are so expensive :\ my car runs fine, so if I can't clean it I'll just put it back in. runs a little rich, but black bumpers don't bother me.

02-11-2005, 05:53 PM	#2
nismo2491 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Southern MD Age: 40 Posts: 1,373 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	uhh I'd suggest against cleaning it, just save up the $90 for a new one. KEvin __________________ To quote the great Ron White: if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. and try to find somebody who's life gave them vodka, and have a party

02-11-2005, 06:54 PM	#3
DJPimpFlex Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Age: 38 Posts: 6,158 Trader Rating: (115) Rides Gallery: DJPimpFlex Feedback Score: 115 reviews	When you do buy a new one, dont go to kragen. __________________

02-11-2005, 06:59 PM	#4
90RS13 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2004 Location: Newark, Arkansas Age: 40 Posts: 348 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It's ok for it to be black. When you get a new one it'lll be black in less than a week too. __________________

02-11-2005, 08:52 PM	#8
jaz Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Detroit Posts: 36 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Do NOT try to clean the sensor. The element inside is very sensitive to solvents like brake cleaner. I would only be concerned if the sensor has oil on it, or some other form of non fuel related contamination. That could cause problems. __________________ 95 Silvia K's Type S - SOLD

02-11-2005, 07:51 PM	#5
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 20,181 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Black is fine, gray is good. White is bad.

02-11-2005, 07:52 PM	#6
AlligatorBling BANNED Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Virgina Age: 42 Posts: 856 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	what the hell are you driving, a ferarri? it shouldnt be that expensive.... but if you want.... try and spray it off, if it fouls out, get a new one.... youd have to eventually anyways...

02-11-2005, 08:33 PM	#7
papershot Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2004 Location: CT Posts: 368 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	wow, thats a lot of replies in a short time. anyway, I decided not to mess with it and just put it back in. I was thinking that maybe if it was cleaner than it was it would be...better or something (perhaps helping my running rich thing). yes, yes, black is fine... and $90 for a sensor doesn't seem expensive? okay. I also think $9 for a small bolt is also expensive, that must mean I drive a ferrari, or thats how much the bolts on the caliper are from the dealer.

02-12-2005, 12:24 AM	#9
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 20,181 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Brake job on a Ferrari is $4k. The point is it's all relative. You have to spend money to maintain your car. Don't spend money on performance parts then skimp on maintenance parts.