O2 Sensor Failed...advice, Bosch vs. GM OE replacements?

[outrun]

A) My car has 3 O2 sensors

B Sensor on Right side exhaust manifold shorted...suspect due to past Dexcool leak fouling it. -intake manifold gasket recently replaced

C) Even though other 2 sensors are not sending error codes is it wise to pre-emptively replace them once and for all. I suspect they are causing my car's rather poor MPG lately, since all my ignition components are brand new.

D) Is Bosch outright better than GM's O2 sensors?

E) Is there any use to "cleaning" (if possible) the functional sensors?

Thanks,

each O2 sensor is 200$ plus dealer install labor-

 

[timzak]

Good O2 sensors can be cleaned intermittently with throttle body spray.

I have no clue how Bosch compares to GM, but I replaced O2 sensors on one of my cars with Bosch and have had no problems.

How old are the remaining two good sensors? General recommendation is 60,000-150,000 miles before replacing.

 

[9c1]

The 5.7 liter LT1s do not like Bosch O2s. Most likely it is something in the computer that doesn't like the Bosch output waveform.
Since you have 3 O2s I know it is not an LT1, so you are on your own. Good luck.

 

[QuadDriver]

got news for u, gm outsources the O2s from bosch, then they raise the price.

 

[LM]

Are these 3 or 4 lead pre-heated O2 sensors? I'm no expert, but AFAIK an O2 sensor is most accurately tested w/an oscilloscope. A digital meter will secondarily do a fairly decent job. Don't know specifically about GM, but look for fast fluctuation between 0.2V - 0.8V: voltage changing at least 8Xs/min or faster in closed loop. Slow lazy V change = bad sensor.

"They" say you can't clean them, but I've had success w/electrical contact cleaner. You might also try to clean w/a steam stream from boiling distilled water. Some apparently clean with a torch.

If you use a generic Bosch in conjunction w/OE connector, suggest staggering, heat-shrink wrapping, and soldering the splices.

 

[outrun]

Vehicle 1998 Camaro

Equip: L36 (3800 SerII V6 Cast Iron Vin.K)
MXO (4L60E Hydramatic Transmission)

Mileage 66,000 original factory

so my plan then is to replace in the near future the opposite side with a new GM or Bosch unit as well as the cat converter one.

Dealer diagnosed SES O2 sensor error...I am going on there honesty here. Goodyear scanned O2 error in december when DEXCOOL fouled it...they said it was on last leg.

However, the factory sensor just failed 100miles after having the intake manifold gasket replaced. Should I have the coolant system re-leak checked to make sure the dealer did not screw up the 500.00 manifold replacement cost???

My strategic intent is too keep all sensors at the same age.

I am hearing two arguments from the board:

A) GM farms out units to Bosch

B) Certain GM engine ECU's do not like Bosch instrumentation

 

[cryptokid]

most everybody buys their o2's from bosch.

and you can clean an o2 to almost new conditon by heating it with a propane torch. burn the sucker till its almost red hot. its worked for me plenty of times.

 

[RussellA]

Certain onboard car computers will report to an ODB II scan tool O2 performance data. You can see how responsive your O2 sensors still are. I use an Autoxray EZScan and it gets this info on my 99 Toyota but not my 98 Nissan. Since GM is an originator in alot of the ODB II standard I would guess your car's computer will report this info. I would also guess that your car being a 98 the sensors should be of the type that are supposed to last 100K.

 

[Jim Spahr]

You havent said what engine you have in your car? How many miles? I also have a Chevy 350" LT1 engine in my car and the list for that car definately says the GM O2 is best. I would get
O2's from GM at the best discount you can get.
I would also rec. staying with the GM/ACDelco spark plugs and filters.

 

[wtd]

In 1993 I bought a new S-10 4x4. When I replaced the O2 sensor a few years down the road, the original O2 sensor was a Bosch. It said "Bosch" right on the sensor.

Wayne

 

[moribundman]

I have a related question. Other than poor gas mileage, what are other symptoms of not-so-good O2 sensors? In my car, a sluggish sensor (got 4 altogether) will not trigger a CEL and/or code until it's pretty much completely shot.

 

[outrun]

Jim,

Answer to your question is a couple posts ahead.

Yall are RIGHT!!!

I went to pep boys visually looked at a replacement Bosch O2 Sensor and what do you know?

It had the GM AC Delco stamping on the side of the sensor

Dealer charged 117.00$$ (+ another 117.00 for labor and disposal) for a new manifold sensor while Pep Boys Bosch was 60.00$ retail out right.

The information on this board was quite accurate. It is a major customer advantage having this board as a group think tank of similarly qualified minds.

Happy Motoring!

 

[RussellA]

quote:

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(+ another 117.00 for labor and disposal)

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Wow!, I did the back manifold O2 sensor on a v6 Toyota recently and frankly the backside sparkplugs are much harder to change out. Only took a few minutes. The front side one would be even easier.

 

[Terry]

RussellA,
If you don't stop disclosing my secrets online we'll fly by and electronically shutdown your other sensors of that Toyota !

Just kidding, your way off base but good guess !

 

[RussellA]

quote:

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If you don't stop disclosing my secrets online we'll fly by and electronically shutdown your other sensors of that Toyota !

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Why does your bumper sticker say "My other vehicle is a RC-135 RIVET"

btw, grew up in Dallas and had a good friend that worked out at the Greenville E-systems.

 

[Terry]

Figured as much !, L3 it is called today after Raytheon scavenged the place.

No 135's for me, 777.

Cheers.