I have not read much on how long you can/should leave a WB o2 sensor installed.

Does it damage the sensor to leave it in the car for long periods of time?

Also does it hurt the sensor to run fuel injector cleaner through the engine?

Thanks for any replies and sorry if this has been covered elsewhere as I did not find an exact answer in my searchs.

 

I keep my WB installed permanently and I run Lucas injector cleaner through every oil change. Typically the sensor will die after about 12,000 miles though I have had them last nearly 20,000 miles. HTH

 

The sensors are designed for, and used by OEMs that have to try to meet long warranties. If they're not mounted too close, or in a place that can get physically damaged by debris, etc..., they'll last pretty long, but I've had a few die from overheating, and a few intermittent ones probably from the connectors getting wet.

 

I am questioning the reasoning for shortening the life of the sensor by leaving it installed if one is not constantly tuning areas where the WB is totally needed. IE; after one has gotten most things sorted except for maybe BLM's at cruising areas.

Thanks for the info guys

 

The original NGK sensor, the L1H1, was used in the Honda Civic 1992-1995 L4 1.5L VX (excl cali). They typically lasted 60 K miles or more. Since then Honda has developed a 2nd generation WB O2 sensor that is used in Accord's, Civic's, Acura's, and even the Insight hybrid.

The most important item concerning WB life is having it powered up when the engine is running, and off when the engine is off. Otherwise they can be ruined in a short time frame (such as leaving it on overnight with the engine off).

I have 2 NGK WB's installed in 2 different vehicles. The daily driver has it in the the Y pipe right before the CAT. So it is underneath and exposed to the rain, snow, and such. It has been there for a little over a year with no problems.

In this installation I took care to protect the sensor connector from under water use. That is I ran the sensor wires straight up and placed plastic wrap around the connector. This wrap is open at the bottom, and closed at the top. Like an umbrella.

In heavy rain the sensor will get flooded. Haven't had any issues yet. If I ever stop playing with code and the tune (this is a test mule) then I will remove the sensor. I actually did that a few years back, but with all the stuff I've been testing it went back in.

RBob.

 

lol

Keep them out of water and they tend to live a long life.

One time wet is all it takes however.

I run the Innovate and use the LM1 sensor.

I also have my connector mounted in a shielded location, siliconed the ends shut and have it wrapped in plastic.

They last along time like this :-)

later
Jeremy

 

Thanks for the insight Rbob. What got this started was rewiring some of the rat's nest of wire running from one side of the dash to the other.
Mine is also in a daily driver and it has it in the the Y pipe right before the "CAT". So it is underneath and exposed to the rain also. If I leave it installed I might do as you have. I cannot remember if I wrapped the connector or not....but that sounds like a good idea.

Now I need to find some quick plug in type connectors for power and ground so it's not too painless to remove and install. "When needed"

Jeremy.......which sealant was it that you should keep from O2 sensors. RTV?

 

30K miles on my DIY-WB.
Probably 10K on my Innovative.

The DIY one is on the GN, and has had A LOT of fumes go past it. <G>

 

mine is in the ext pipe just after the collector. since the headers are ceramic i need to add a heat sink. that effectively pulls the sensor out of the exhaust stream a bit. they cannot tolerate over 900dF. i recently did an ecu swap and needed to retune a lean engine(172+ BLM). i damaged the WB02 sensor. the heat sink adapter most likely would have saved the sensor. i also have the sensor wired( ign on-sensor on... starter on-sensor off(spikes)...starter off- engine on-sensor on... they also do not like a blast of cool condensation on hot sensor.