Date:         Wed, 15 Feb 2006 16:18:04 -0500
Reply-To:     Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      O2 sensor grounding?

Hi all,

I've been trying to sure an ongoing "intermittent power loss" problem (sound
familiar?) on my '84 Westy and been messing with the O2 sensor. Replaced,
rewired, etc.

Questions: (a) is the ground on this ever a problem? Given that it has to
pass through 21 year old tailpipes with rusted bolts, gaskets, etc. it seems
that it might. Which leads me to question (b): is it possible to install a 4
wire O2 sensor, with heater and ground wire, in place of the OE single wire
sensor? Or at least a 2-wire?

The reason I suspect grounding problems is that I installed Ken Lewis'
monitor on the dash (thanks Ken!) and it's reading all across the board,
from very low voltage to very high. Replacing the sensor helped but didn't
steady the voltage to within limits. All connections are soldered, and I
verified that the sheathing isn't touching the center wire.

TIA