--- jon@dakota-truck.net wrote:
> I believe the conventional wisdom is to replace
> the late
> model, heated style oxygen sensors between
> 60,000-100,000 miles.
> There are a couple of schools of thought on this:
>
>
> A - If it ain't broke, don't fix it. These
> folks don't see
> much point in replacing a part that may be
> perfectly
> functional. They would recommend replacing
> the oxygen
> sensor only if you suspect it to be
> malfunctioning, which
> can be detected by a decrease in gas
> mileage, stumbling,
> running too rich or lean, flagging of a
> trouble code, etc.
> Oxygen sensors aren't cheap, so why spend
> the money if
> you don't have to?
>
>
> B - Preventative maintenance. These folks would
> consider
> replacing the oxygen sensor to be a regular
> maintenance
> type item, like changing the oil. If the
> oxygen sensor
> were to malfunction in a way that caused the
> engine to
> run too rich, this could damage the
> catalytic converter
> and end up costing you more money than you
> saved by not
> purchasing the oxygen sensor. A slow
> degrading of the
> sensor could also be costing you money in
> reduced gas
> mileage, which might not be as obvious as
> the reduction
> in mileage brought about by a sudden failure
> of the sensor.
>
>
>
> Myself, I think I'm probaby mostly in camp A,
> but camp B
> does have some valid points.
>
>
> --
> -Jon-
I'm firmly in camp A as well. My 98 Dak has well over
145K miles on it and I still have the original O2
sensors installed. For that matter, I still have the
original timing chain and gears, clutch pressure
plate, throw out bearing and even U-Joints in there as
well. The only things I've had to replace were normal
wear and tear items, brakes, bulbs, wipers, tires,
oil, filters, plugs, wires, cap and rotor.
I had the Cat replaced while the truck was still under
warranty as the factory cat developed a rattle. I also
had the fuel pump and sending unit replaced under
warranty due to a faulty sending unit causing a false
fuel gauge reading. The dealer in Dover also replaced
the AC condenser under warranty when a rock punched a
hole in one of the condenser tubes.
Other than those items, I've not had any trouble with
my truck and (knock wood) it'll keep on running for
some time to come.
Of course I've managed to keep it well clear of the
Infamous Truck Devouring Steiger Mud Pit and since
I've moved to California I think the long range
effects of the ITDSMP and quite lessened.
Ray
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