Problems with the header oxygen sensor?

[Mav]

So a while ago I had a stalling issue that seemed to get fixed when they replaced one of the sensors in the headers...

Well tonight it started again - stalling on tickover, running rich (plenty of black coming out fo the exhaust) and, weirdly, fuel consumption seems to get better the harder I ride (which is like red flag to this particular bull ).

So it simply that the other sensor has failed? Is there an underlying issue that's making them fail? The bike is 60k and 5 years old... so it doesn't seem unreasonable to fail from age/use...

Anyone else experienced this?

 

[Pukmeister]

Yes, fixed by buying an NTK lambda sensor via an ebay seller at less than half the price of the identical item packaged in a box with a blue and white propeller on it.

 

[Mav]

That's just a straight swap and doesn't generate any error messages with the ECU?

 

[Mav]

OK, so I found a few on ebay... anyone know where I might find one tomorrow? I'm on the road all next week...

 

[Smug]

Don't waste your money. Back probe and test with a scope rather than taking a punt. Easy to do if you have access to a scope or a friend with a scope.

 

[Mav]

Don't waste your money. Back probe and test with a scope rather than taking a punt. Easy to do if you have access to a scope or a friend with a scope.

And for our English listeners?!

 

[Smug]

And for our English listeners?!

Sorry. Use an oscilloscope to check the signal off the lambda sensor.

 

[Mav]

Sorry. Use an oscilloscope to check the signal off the lambda sensor.

OK, closer to understanding... but I think I stand a much better chance of finding an lambda sensor than an oscilloscope!!

 

[Gizmo]

OK, closer to understanding... but I think I stand a much better chance of finding an lambda sensor than an oscilloscope!!

If you have a buddy with a GS-911 diagnostic tool you can test the sensor. Failing that, back to plan A and fleabay.

 

[Smug]

OK, closer to understanding... but I think I stand a much better chance of finding an lambda sensor than an oscilloscope!!

In that case it's a dealer for you I'm afraid.

 

[Pukmeister]

Mav, I bought the sensor from an Ebay seller who assured me it was the correct item with the correct length electrical lead on it with BMW wiring connectors.

Sure enough, when it arrived it was exactly the same item as the BMW one fitted to the bike, save for a different part number stamped on it, and arriving in a yellow and green NTK cardboard box.

I paid £69 inc postage from "Powersparks" on ebay, the lambdas were about £120 from a main dealer.

My GS-911 did pick it up as faulty, but you really know it is faulty anyway by the way the bike runs and the amount of soot on the plugs.

A practical way to test is to swap lambdas from left to right and do a test ride. The soot deposits will move from one cylinder to the other.

EDIT: The bike has been perfect ever since the lambda was replaced.

 

[the shepard]

o2 sensor

had same prob with my 1200rt lh sensor failed. replaced and alright for two weeks then rh failed.be prepared.

 

[Mav]

So just stole one of the HP (will now have to make it up to her ) but seems to have fixed the problem.

Thanks for help chaps