quick ? on cleaning 02 sensors...

[wickedjra]

ok, i've read that 'brake cleaner' is the way to go for cleaning primary 02 sensor when need be. my question is, since i don't have brake cleaner at my disposal right now, would spraying 'sea foam' or 'MAF cleaner' on it clean it just as well???

 

[slavrenz]

your O2 sensor shouldn't need to be cleaned. I would think you'd be able to use MAF or electronics cleaner, but again, why are you cleaning your sensor? If it's because it's old and you want to get rid of carbon build up, I don't think cleaning them helps - you should just replace it.

 

[jonridinhi]

Cleaning it is not a good idea. The outer part that you see is more like a sheid the element that takes the readings is inside of that. So to clean that you would have to use a strong cleaner cause the carbon is bake in there and then you risk the chance of contaminating it withe the cleaner and then you can be worse off then before. It should all be carbon because anything else should have burnt off with the engine running. I would go for replacement. Just my 2 cents and person experience.

 

[wickedjra]

just a quick note, i ended up cleaning/spraying my primary 02 sensor with BrakeKleen, let it dry, cleared cel code, reinstalled and no cel now for 2 days.

 

[Metallic36]

(2thumbs) And yes to everyone else, it is possible to clean the O2 sensor, just for the sake of not having to buy a new one, it's worth a shot sometimes.

just a quick note, i ended up cleaning/spraying my primary 02 sensor with BrakeKleen, let it dry, cleared cel code, reinstalled and no cel now for 2 days.

 

[slavrenz]

I'm not saying it's not worth a try - I'm just saying that:

a. If it is an overly dirty sensor (lots of carbon buildup), then the issue lies somewhere else and you're not really fixing the problem.

b. Cleaning the sensor will never be as good as replacing it. It may work temporarily, but don't rely on it as a long-term solution.

By all means though, your car won't explode or anything, so go for it if you feel so inclined.