Why do I keep burning up WBO2 sensors?
#1
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Location: Port Saint Lucie,FL
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Why do I keep burning up WBO2 sensors?
I have an LC2, was fine NA for 3 months, installed turbo, 3 months later got an error 8. Called Innovate and they said replace the sensor, which I did. 2 months or so go by, fails again. Was at the drag strip and it failed after a 2 step launch, maybe thats what killed it. So I replced it again. Now this is about 1 month or so later and I'm getting another error 8. No 2 step or anything, just normal (spirited) driving. I'll be cruising along and the AFR will show normal, sometimes stick high or low, then start flashing 7.4. I called Begi and Stephanie said the position of the bung is ok, but I think it is too low... the alternative would be one of the bungs further up the DP, but then the sensor would only be a foot of so away from the turbo. Would I be better off putting the sensor up there?
Thanks,
Andy
Thanks,
Andy
#3
To quote the LC-2 manual: "Using a clock as reference, mount the bung between the 9:00 o’clock and 3:00 o’clock position. Welding the bung in the lower section of the exhaust pipe can result in sensor damage caused by condensation making contact with the sensor’s internal heating element."
It looks like your sensor is lower than 3:00 o'clock.
It looks like your sensor is lower than 3:00 o'clock.
#7
I've never messed with heat sinks, but Innovate spells it out pretty simply. Closer than 24 inches to the turbo could damage the sensor.
#8
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I will weld a new bung on next time I take the DP out in a good spot according to their instructions. But for now I'm gonna try and get Autozone to warranty this sensor like the did last time and try it out in the other bung. I tacked the 2 piece slip joint together so it's a biotch to get the DP out or else I would do it the right way this week.
#9
Probably either the low in the pipe condensation problem or a bad ground. I had a car that had the sensor last for nearly a year and then something happened and I couldnt get sensors to last for more than 2 months. That LC1 is in the WRX now and its been in for like 2.5 years, and that LC1 spent a trip on the highway sitting on the downpipe so its nice and melted. So it has to be something like a bad ground that was making the sensors show bad on the previous car.
#12
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Amazingly, autozone warrantied the sensor for the 2nd time, so I relocated it and fabbed up a crude heat shield out of a piece of an old street sign. Hopefully this takes care of the E8 for now, as this location is a pain to get the sensor in/out...
If it dies again, I'm going to ditch the LC2 for something better...
If it dies again, I'm going to ditch the LC2 for something better...
#13
It's unreasonable to blame the LC-2 for your problems. You've installed your sensor against the manufacturer's recommendations causing it to be damaged. Additionally, if you had any other wideband controller, the sensor would be damaged in the exact same way. Changing your controller doesn't mean your sensor is suddenly more resistant to your ignorance.
#14
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It's unreasonable to blame the LC-2 for your problems. You've installed your sensor against the manufacturer's recommendations causing it to be damaged. Additionally, if you had any other wideband controller, the sensor would be damaged in the exact same way. Changing your controller doesn't mean your sensor is suddenly more resistant to your ignorance.
#17
How is innovate's heater control garbage? It says here on Innovate's website that the LC-2 uses "Bosch™ Heater Control". I would assume Bosch's own brand uses the same "Bosch™ Heater Control".
Also, I don't think heater control is the issue here. If you install a sensor too low in the pipe, it can be damaged by condensation contacting the heating element. I'm not positive, but I doubt better heater control can help this. And I can only imagine that the Innovate unit with "Bosch™ Heater Control" is designed to take into consideration things like condensation in the exhaust.
Finally, if you install a sensor too close to the exhaust source, it can be damaged by overheating. I'm not sure a controller can help this issue because the heating element is only used to preheat the sensor. The heating element and controlling circuit (such as the "Bosch™ Heater Control" in the Innovate brand unit) can't do much to cool the sensor off if the exhaust gasses are overheating it.
Also, I don't think heater control is the issue here. If you install a sensor too low in the pipe, it can be damaged by condensation contacting the heating element. I'm not positive, but I doubt better heater control can help this. And I can only imagine that the Innovate unit with "Bosch™ Heater Control" is designed to take into consideration things like condensation in the exhaust.
Finally, if you install a sensor too close to the exhaust source, it can be damaged by overheating. I'm not sure a controller can help this issue because the heating element is only used to preheat the sensor. The heating element and controlling circuit (such as the "Bosch™ Heater Control" in the Innovate brand unit) can't do much to cool the sensor off if the exhaust gasses are overheating it.
Last edited by pshgomiata; 06-05-2015 at 04:52 PM.
#20
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