sputtering, no power and small backfires= bad O2?

[Cliptin]

85 GL-10 Wagon MPFI EA82 non-T 3AT

 

I have had trouble with bad gas milage (10 MPG) and a rough idle on first start. Then the troubles started with sputtering, no power and small backfires after driving downhill with the engine decelerating the car.

 

I discovered this afternoon that if I disconnect the the O2 sensor the car runs with lots of power and no sputtering.

 

What's the story/does this make sense? Is something else likely broken causing but the O2 sensor fine?

 

Thanks!

[Cliptin]

Assuming the O2 sensor is not completly bad and just coated with oil and dirt; what is an acceptable what to clean it?

[thealleyboy]

I've had O2's go out, and experienced similar drivability problems. It sounds like a reasonable assumption.

I have never had any success reviving an old one. If you want to attempt it, carb cleaner would be a safe solvent to try.

They carry decent ones, by good manufacturers, at discount parts stores like Autozone and Advance. They'll run around $50. Well worth the $$ IMO, considering your MPG's will double as soon as you install it.

good luck, John

[archemitis]

they usually fowl like a spark plug, and you CAN clean them sometimes with a propane torch, but dont get it red hot.

i run with my o2 sensor unplugged, runs better =], even than with a new one installed.

the o2 shouldnt have anything to do with idle, at that point the computer doesnt even look at it. same with full throttle.

[rallyruss]

they usually fowl like a spark plug, and you CAN clean them sometimes with a propane torch, but dont get it red hot.

i run with my o2 sensor unplugged, runs better =], even than with a new one installed.

the o2 shouldnt have anything to do with idle, at that point the computer doesnt even look at it. same with full throttle.

actually it does use O2 at idle. but no not under full throttle. the propane torch method is the only one that sometimes works for cleaning. honestly just swap it out. and if you hapen to use a crimp in universal O2 make sure not to crimp the shielding ground around the signal wire to the signal. this will cause you problems as well.