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Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder or seal wires
Posted: 30 Jul 2017, 11:04
by itchyfeet
According to this Bosch video air nedds to pass through the wires, who would have though, this means no soldering of wires
I have never soldered ( I don't think soldering is good in vehicles) but I probably put petroleum jelly in the connectors to keep moisture out and I have used waterproof plug and sockets, I checked and the type I used does breath between but not all do.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ex1Hki6-NHw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 04:22
by Titus A Duxass
That smells like BS to me.
Air cannot flow through a copper wire.
I've had mine soldered for years without an issue.
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 05:22
by itchyfeet
they mean in between the strands
air and water even definately can pass though a wire in the gaps between the strands
I can only see it blocking this if the solder wicks up inside the insulation blocking the path.
Not like Bosch to put a BS video out
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 05:34
by Titus A Duxass
Yes but it still sounds like BS.
The sensing part of the probe sits in the exhaust.
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 06:44
by itchyfeet
Well it seems you are wrong
http://www.autotap.com/techlibrary/unde ... ensors.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Older style oxygen sensors actually have a small hole in the body shell so air can enter the sensor, but newer style O2 sensors "breathe" through their wire connectors and have no vent hole. It's hard to believe, but the tiny amount of space between the insulation and wire provides enough room for air to seep into the sensor (for this reason, grease should never be used on O2 sensor connectors because it can block the flow of air). Venting the sensor through the wires rather than with a hole in the body reduces the risk of dirt or water contamination that could foul the sensor from the inside and cause it to fail. The difference in oxygen levels between the exhaust and outside air within the sensor causes voltage to flow through the ceramic bulb. The greater the difference, the higher the voltage reading.
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 07:52
by Titus A Duxass
itchyfeet wrote:Well it seems you are wrong
http://www.autotap.com/techlibrary/unde ... ensors.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Older style oxygen sensors actually have a small hole in the body shell so air can enter the sensor, but newer style O2 sensors "breathe" through their wire connectors and have no vent hole. It's hard to believe, but the tiny amount of space between the insulation and wire provides enough room for air to seep into the sensor (for this reason, grease should never be used on O2 sensor connectors because it can block the flow of air). Venting the sensor through the wires rather than with a hole in the body reduces the risk of dirt or water contamination that could foul the sensor from the inside and cause it to fail. The difference in oxygen levels between the exhaust and outside air within the sensor causes voltage to flow through the ceramic bulb. The greater the difference, the higher the voltage reading.
Everyday is a school day.
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 07:56
by petethefeet
No had any experience of Lambda sensors but some pressure transducers have a very small pipe that runs up the power/signal cable to vent the back of the pressure sensing diaphragm in the same manner.
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 10:33
by Domino
have cut and joined I don't know how many sensors on Subarus without any adverse affects
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 11:46
by itchyfeet
Domino wrote:have cut and joined I don't know how many sensors on Subarus without any adverse affects
Bury your head in the sand if you like.
It says volage is defined by difference so as the voltage switches between high and low, I guess it's possible it would run slightly leaner or richer and you would not notice.....or care
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 19:08
by Domino
itchyfeet wrote:Domino wrote:have cut and joined I don't know how many sensors on Subarus without any adverse affects
Bury your head in the sand if you like.
It says volage is defined by difference so as the voltage switches between high and low, I guess it's possible it would run slightly leaner or richer and you would not notice.....or care
or care lol
most, if not all of my Subarus have been mapped over the years so it would of shown if there was a problem but nothing has came from it so far and I run a A/F gauge in my cars aswell so its not like I just hope for the best ,, I spend a fortune on mapping the cars as my engines are around 10k each time I build one lol , even brought a £1000 ecu for the van to make sure its running as good as it can,,, so I prob care more than most
Re: Lambda (O2) sensor don't solder or seal wires
Posted: 31 Jul 2017, 20:57
by marlinowner
Most likely its to allow for air pressure changes on Alpine passes etc, so unlikely to have much effect in the UK. A soldered joint with heatshrink would probably leak enough air anyway.