O2 Sensors (Cleaning, MythBusted & Best Practice) There is an argument for cleaning O2 sensors to maintain your vehicle. ◉ Oxygen Sensor Cleaning Myths and Practices → Although most enthusiasts will try a few cleaning methods, it is good to have an awareness of the difference and proper technique.
Understanding O2 Sensors
O2 sensors are used in an internal combustion engine to monitor the air-fuel mixture, these have a huge impact on fuel efficiency and emissions. A malfunctioning sensor can result in large-scale fuel waste –up to 40% of the total— and even cause engine damage or increased carbon monoxide exposure5.
Cleaning Methods: What Works?
Solvents or Electronic Cleaners– Some individuals might also use solvents and electronic cleaners to eliminate deposits. Though, these options might be the most effective but it puts the fragile components of sensors at risk.Oxygen Sensor Maintenance (ad) There really are no O2 sensor cleaner fluids safe for use when spraying into the air, which cn go back into an engine5
Ultrasonic Cleaners: This method involves placing the sensor in a liquid cleaner, inside an ultrasonic cleaner. However, this may not be enough to get rid of all the fouling in a heavily coated sensor and while some users report successfully cleaning-up with an ethanol wash, it can result in damage or reduced performance from repeated applications24.
Dry Process Wet Dry, Wire Brush (nonrecommended), Blow Torch. This will beat up the sensor and consequently mess with its operation15.
Risks of Cleaning O2 Sensors
How This Hurts: Cleaning can ruin the delicate sensing parts of your mass airflow sensor, which leads to bad readings and other engine problems.
Thread Wear: Again, the threads on a stripped O2 sensor or bung may make removal and later installations troublesome9.
Short-term solution: The communities come together to clean the sensor in unison, providing a grand spectacle. But soon enough it fails again due to some issue deep within its bowels
Conclusion
However, despite its affordability, cleaning an O2 sensor can cause more harm than good. It is the general agreement of industry experts that replacing a failed O2 sensor ensures peak engine performance and safety.
