O2 Sensor failure/Running Rich
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta GA
O2 Sensor failure/Running Rich
Hello everyone.
I have a question to the members, and I would please welcome your input.
My situation. My driver side o2 sensor went bad one year after being replaced. It had heavy black substance on it. It threw a code 44. New O2 sensor now in place. Exhast has same black substance in it as well.
Still puts out large black smoke from left exhast on rapid accleration from a stop, but no other time. No oil loss. No coolant loss. Both oil and collant look fine. Engine runs fine otherwise. Gas milage seems OK with new sensor.
Vette is a 95 with 194K on it. I bought it 3 years ago with 135K on it. I have relpaced plugs since that time. The engine does not miss. Oh, the engine and trans operate at normal op temps.
It has the same injectors as when I bought it. No idea how old they are.
My auto shop gave me a list of about $3,000 in potential repairs to address the problem. I will frankly admit that I cant afford that right now. Boy, he was excited when he gave me the list - which I admit pissed me off.
Ok, my questions.
Bottom line, I think the Vette runs rich. Being rich caused the early o2 failure. Am I correct?
I am considering options in order of cost to address the problem of running rich. Any ideas of things to try.
Also, I am 'OK" with a socket and wrench, but no expert. Are fuel injector replacement and intake manifold gasket replacements hard repairs to perform?
I would welcome advice of repairs to consider. Again, the car runs fine, but despite the economy I need to begin to address this problem. My desire is a gameplan on that. Advice welcomed. Thank you.
I have a question to the members, and I would please welcome your input.
My situation. My driver side o2 sensor went bad one year after being replaced. It had heavy black substance on it. It threw a code 44. New O2 sensor now in place. Exhast has same black substance in it as well.
Still puts out large black smoke from left exhast on rapid accleration from a stop, but no other time. No oil loss. No coolant loss. Both oil and collant look fine. Engine runs fine otherwise. Gas milage seems OK with new sensor.
Vette is a 95 with 194K on it. I bought it 3 years ago with 135K on it. I have relpaced plugs since that time. The engine does not miss. Oh, the engine and trans operate at normal op temps.
It has the same injectors as when I bought it. No idea how old they are.
My auto shop gave me a list of about $3,000 in potential repairs to address the problem. I will frankly admit that I cant afford that right now. Boy, he was excited when he gave me the list - which I admit pissed me off.
Ok, my questions.
Bottom line, I think the Vette runs rich. Being rich caused the early o2 failure. Am I correct?
I am considering options in order of cost to address the problem of running rich. Any ideas of things to try.
Also, I am 'OK" with a socket and wrench, but no expert. Are fuel injector replacement and intake manifold gasket replacements hard repairs to perform?
I would welcome advice of repairs to consider. Again, the car runs fine, but despite the economy I need to begin to address this problem. My desire is a gameplan on that. Advice welcomed. Thank you.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
Before starting any repairs use a scanner to look at both short and long term fuel trim values. This will help determine whether the car is actually running rich. Also, the check engine light should be on if you are running excessively rich. The injectors can be checked using an OHM meter to see if they are OK.
