| Oxygen sensors are found in the exhaust system of | | | | Disclaimer: Please note that cleaning oxygen sensors is |
| cars, where they're exposed to fuel and other toxic | | | | NOT advised and we cannot promise that the cleaned |
| gases such as HC, CO and NO2. These substances | | | | sensor will work; but in this piece we've attempted to |
| can pollute the sensor and hinder its capacity to work | | | | consider methods to reuse sensors instead of |
| efficiently. Oil, fuel and coolant contamination can cause | | | | purchasing replacement sensors. |
| damage as well. Excessive soot buildup in the sensor's | | | | So, please attempt the procedure at your own risk. Will |
| ceramic parts can increase response time and | | | | the sensor function properly after being cleaned? |
| consequently decrease its capacity to detect oxygen | | | | Because it's exposed to high heat in the exhaust |
| efficiently. | | | | system, the main contaminant will probably be a thick |
| The presence of lead in poor quality gasoline also | | | | coating of baked carbon on the sensor tip, which won't |
| decreases the life span of oxygen sensors. Exposure | | | | dissolve readily in any solvents. One method to get rid |
| to silicates and silicones also hinders their ability to | | | | of the carbon residue is by using a blow torch (such |
| function correctly. Because the sensor's function is to | | | | as propane) to heat the sensor tip. Hold the torch to |
| determine the best ratio of fuel and air mixture in the | | | | the tip until it is about to turn red. Then quickly immerse |
| car's exhaust system, contamination can cause the | | | | the tip into water. |
| gas combustion engine to run rich (with unburnt fuel) or | | | | Next, blow compressed air to clean the tip. This will |
| lean (with excess oxygen). This can decrease the | | | | cause the deposit to break up. We advise you to |
| car's mileage. | | | | repeat this several times until the residue is gone. You |
| Therefore it's essential to maintain proper health of the | | | | can try the CRC brand QD electronic cleaner to get |
| sensor to minimize gas usage. Purchasing a new | | | | rid of oil and fuel contaminants. |
| censor is the most obvious course of action to take | | | | This is a special cleanser that doesn't leave behind any |
| when the old sensor is damaged. But purchasing new | | | | residue after it dries. Maintain a safe distance between |
| sensors, especially the wideband ones can be costly. | | | | the cleaner nozzle and oxygen sensor while you're |
| Nevertheless, we're exploring the possibility of | | | | spraying. Remember to use gloves and safety |
| "recycling" the sensors by cleaning them. | | | | goggles to protect your eyes and hands. |