Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:05:21 -0600
Reply-To: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Single wire Oxygen sensor: Substitution report..
In-Reply-To: <CAHTkEuLj8P7YZRiZEU2Gc07ryvcu2DqX4yBszH7KDCZgfmnpsA@mail.gmail.com>
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Don
How did you end up dealing with the Ground ~ It should, I believe, be taken
care of through the Body of the O2Snsr being in contact with the ExhaustSystem ~
But I choose not to trust that as the Joints&Bolts in that Path tend to get Crudded
over time, so I ScrewClamp a wire to the O2SnsrBody & attach the other end to a
Good BodyGroundPoint ~
ORR ~ DeanB
On 30 Oct , 2014, at 10:34 AM, Don Hanson wrote:
> I run digifant engine management for my inline VW ABA Jetta motored
> vanagon...same as the stock Vanagons but with the inline motor providing
> the go..A few weeks ago I had some problems with my engine management
> system and traced it to a dysfunctional Oxygen sensor. I'm almost
> positive the problems were a result of bad wiring between the O2 sensor and
> the ECU, but I have no actual confirmation of that.
>
> Anyhow, I was unhappy with the cost of replacing the Bosch 3-wire heated
> Oxygen sensor in my rig...the best I could find was about $70 for another
> Bosch heated sensor, and that one didn't even have the proper plug for my
> wiring harness...So I did some research, called around a bit and
> asked...and the general response was that I could replace that 3 wire
> heated oxygen sensor with the single wire Bosch sensor and save myself
> about $50 without any real downside to engine performance. But......No one
> would actually come right out and tell me that. Lotta "Oh, that should be
> OKs"...and "I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work fine"s....There
> was also some nebulous opinion as to how to properly connect the
> sensor...Should the shielded wire loom carry a grounding connection or
> not...etc...
>
> Anyhow I bought a single wire Bosch from Van Cafe and installed it.
> The results are quite satisfactory. The only downside has been that after
> sustained highway driving if you shut off the motor for a short while the
> idle speed is a little low...low enough to stall sometimes...for just a
> couple of seconds, until the O2 sensor gathers enough heat to resume proper
> function, I guess.
>
> I have regained my fuel economy...back up to 24.xx mpg after 3000 miles
> with the new sensor. the O2 sensor i again modulating the fuel mix
> properly....When running with the O2 sensor disconnected from the ECU, I
> was seeing around 4-6mpg less gas mileage but the motor felt quite happy
> and strong..
>
> So, in my case, I successfully saved some money on that part and gained
> back my good gas mileage. Here's a handy app to help you track your
> fuel...there's one for the smart phones, too....
> http://www.fuelly.com/dashboard
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