oxygen sensor
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Mason Michigan
oxygen sensor
I have a couple questions about a o2 sensor, first of all what is a oxygen sensor heater, and where is it located or is the heater just built in the oxygen sensor itself. I have a 1997 f-350 with a 351 windsor and it just pours black smoke out the tailpipes so i'm trying to figure what the hell is going on and if this is even the problem,because when i put the truck on a scanner it brought back a code that said egr lean mixture so i would assume the ecm is adjusting for this and making it run rich. Could anyone tell me what this code means. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
You're truck should have 2 oxygen sensors, one on each downpipe from the headers. The oxygen sensors are just 2 small cylinders that are threaded into bungs on the headers, and then theres an electrical harness that they plug into nearby. The oxygen sensor will sense the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and adjust your fuel to air mixture accordingly. This is useful when you are driving through places with changing oxygen levels, such as driving into the mountains for example.
As for the code you are getting: EGR refers to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. This recirculates exhaust gas back through the system, mostly for environmental purposes, I've never been super clear on what the purpose is. If you're EGR mixture is lean then I assume you are getting too much recirculated exhaust mixed with your fuel. This is most like due to a clogged/bad EGR valve. Try removing the valve and cleaning it. Sometimes if it gets too gunked up it can get stuck in the open or closed position. Hope that helps.
-Chris
As for the code you are getting: EGR refers to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. This recirculates exhaust gas back through the system, mostly for environmental purposes, I've never been super clear on what the purpose is. If you're EGR mixture is lean then I assume you are getting too much recirculated exhaust mixed with your fuel. This is most like due to a clogged/bad EGR valve. Try removing the valve and cleaning it. Sometimes if it gets too gunked up it can get stuck in the open or closed position. Hope that helps.
-Chris
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
The O2 sensor is used to give the computer feedback on how well it has calculated the fuel mixture. The MAP sensor will compensate for changes in altitudes, then the computer uses the O2 sensor to see how accurate its compensation was.
The heater is built into the sensor and it is just there to get the sensor up to operating temperature and keep it there. What was the code number? You should only have one O2 sensor on that truck.
The heater is built into the sensor and it is just there to get the sensor up to operating temperature and keep it there. What was the code number? You should only have one O2 sensor on that truck.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
The O2 sensor is used to give the computer feedback on how well it has calculated the fuel mixture. The MAP sensor will compensate for changes in altitudes, then the computer uses the O2 sensor to see how accurate its compensation was.
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Senior User
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From: Mason Michigan
Ican't quite recall the codes for the egr but the truck does only have one o2 sensor. I would assume that the egr is good because i pulled it off not long ago thinking it was bad and i cleaned everything out and even checked the evp sensor and it was good i also sprayed brake cleaner in the egr at a idle and there was no change so i'm assuming that it is not stuck open. As far as running the truck does not rough at all it idles smoothly and goes down the road fine,it's just that you can see it pouring black smoke out badly, and the fuel pressure regulator is fine to i pulled off the vacuum line and it didn't appear wet. Hope this helps guys thanks.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Are you getting awful gas mileage? I believe that black smoke is indicative of unburned fuel but I'm not sure on that, this might only be the case of diesel engines. The peculiar thing is that you claim the EGR is good but it is still throwing codes. I think a new O2 sensor and possibly a new EGR valve might be a good place to start here.
-Chris
-Chris
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Postmaster
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Hmm... 8 seems a little low to me, even with the 410's. I've got a 351 with 3.55 LS and 33's, and I usually get around 13-14mpg on mostly flatland driving. It sounds to me like you're running a bit lean somewhere.
-Chris
-Chris
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
Black smoke: running rich
Blue smoke: burning oil
White smoke: coolant in the cylinders
SOMETHING is causing him to run rich. An O2 sensor can do that. A bad fuel pressure regulator can do that. To check the FPR, just pull the vacuum line off it. If it has fuel in the line, it's bad. Running too lean would cause overheating.
Jason
Blue smoke: burning oil
White smoke: coolant in the cylinders
SOMETHING is causing him to run rich. An O2 sensor can do that. A bad fuel pressure regulator can do that. To check the FPR, just pull the vacuum line off it. If it has fuel in the line, it's bad. Running too lean would cause overheating.
Jason
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: youngstown ohio
summit racing has a ntk o2 sensor for 31.99 for these trucks. i put one on today and no mo check engine lite and to put in my collector i just unfished wre and gave me like 5 feet of wire to put wherever
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Also worth checking
A faulty DPFE sensor can result in a rich EGR code. These are very prone to failure. Also check the two rubber looking tubes running to the sensor, they are made with special high silicone, so if you need to replace them be sure you get the correct parts, not just any vacume tubing. The base number for the DPFE sensor is 9J460... Check with you local dealer, should be between $60 and $140 depending on which one your model takes... good luck
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Black smoke=Rich
Things that can make it run rich.
Bad MASS mass airflow sensor, or MAP on speed density system.
Coolant sensor
Air temp sensor
Fuel presser regulator
Plugged cat or muffler
Plugged air filter or air intake.
Gust some thoughts.
Tom Cat
Things that can make it run rich.
Bad MASS mass airflow sensor, or MAP on speed density system.
Coolant sensor
Air temp sensor
Fuel presser regulator
Plugged cat or muffler
Plugged air filter or air intake.
Gust some thoughts.
Tom Cat
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