Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Anyone revive an o2 sensor by cleaning it?

I've read a few malfunctionning O2 sensors are sometimes "fixed" by a thorough cleaning of the carbon deposit. Anyone save one on a contour?

O2 sensors of any kind are not cleanable.
The outside of the sensor has nothing to do with it's ability to work besides having holes/slots to allow the airflow to penetrate.

I've heard anecdotal evidence that putting an O2 sensor in the flame from a propane torch may burn the deposits off and make it work better.

Brian

For all intent and purpose, forgetaboutit.

those...uh..o2 sensors suck. Very sensitive. The guy at autozone yelled at me for touching the end with my finger. They are made to measure miniscule amounts of gas, and the slightest contamination can throw them out of spec. A new o2 sensor will work a lot better, and the bosche ones carry a lifetime warranty. they are only $60, but the real pain in the...uh...arm....is getting the original sensor out.

Read about my adventures while trying to change the bank 2 upstream

Hi,

As far as the sensors being "delicate" to the touch...Uh...not so( as long as they are the "shielded" type. I actually have removed all four sensors from my SVT and have "torched" them watching for switching speed. I couldn't tell much from the experiment (they did switch), but I will say that I did notice a difference, although very shortlived, after re-installation. My idle was much improved for a day or so.
Don't worry about "touching/handling" them as you would a new spark plug. The torching did burn off some soot and slightly improved the color of the sensor as viewed through the little holes, but I do not think it will cure/revive a sluggish responding sensor.
I tried every way possible with tools on hand and could not remove the rear bank, pre-cat (OS11 I think)sensor...untill went to NAPA and bought a $12 O2 sensor socket. Made all the difference in the world for that one sensor. The others were no problem with ordinary 7/8" (22mm) hand tools.

...Ed