I just got a code 44. I know that it is O2 sensor lean and after doing a search I figure I should change it. Now here are a couple questions on this.

1. I got bad valve seals, would that cause O2 problems? I wondered because of all of the smoke at start up if this would cause this sensor to go bad. I would think that smoke might give a rich reading though...but I don't know.

2. I'm going to be redoing the heads and adding headers in the next couple of months. Can I wait to change out the sensor till after I do the other projects?

My car is going on the ship to TX on the 4th so I don't feel like messing with it if I don't have to right now.

Thanks in advance!

 

Burning coolant and oil kill oxygen sensors. If you're burning oil you should get a code if there is enough, I was getting 13 at first, but eventually it will just kill the sensor and who knows what will happen. Replace the sensor and try to fix the seals if you don't want to do it again in the future.

 

1. Don't we all? Yes, it would help contribute - but unless they were REALLY bad they are not the likely cause. O2's go bad - fact of life. Code 44 is the code most usually thrown when the O2 goes bad.

2. Don't wait. It's a $30 part and an easy job. Gas mileage will suffer a good bit and that damn light!