O-2 Failure

[Shannen Durphey]

Paul Ruschman wrote:
> 
> 
> "THE" list,
> I recently purchased a ECHLIN O-2 sensor and installed it in the collector of my Hooker Street Rod headers on my V-8 Datsun Z car. It worked great at first. I haven't been monitoring it lately and when I hooked my trusty Fluke 87 to the wires I ran in the car from the O-2 it was putting out between .18-.2 volts no matter what load/RPM. I looked at the O-2 sensor itself and  I noticed exhaust soot coming from the metal cap where the electrical lead comes out. I take it his is NOT good.
>         Any insight on this problem or experience using these generic one wire ECHLIN O-2 sensors? The parts guy at NAPA said it was a quality unit and recommended it over the generic BOSCH unit I originally wanted.
> 
>                 Thanks in advance for any and all info,
> 
>                 Paul (BRAAP) Ruschman
>                 75' 280 ZR-1
>                 http://www.datsuns.com/projects/paulrproject.htm
I have had problems with aftermarket O2 sensors.  They can
send a voltage prematurely, causing the ecm to go into open
loop before the sensor is properly warmed up, they can fail
prematurely, and the connecto0rs sometimes don't make good
connection.  I like to use a GM unit from a 90 pickup for
one wire sensors in GM vehicles.  These are somewhat
protected from mud intrusion.  I'm sure that many people
have used aftermarket sensors without trouble, but I have
had problems with them.

Shannen