Rookie mistake - used upstream O2 sensors for all four sensors - lean code

[08EddieCA]

Hello,
Not my brightest moment.
I installed four upstream 02 sensors on all four locations on my exhaust system.
Could this be causing my constant lean code, O2 symptoms?

I've replaced every vacuum line to the intake and the crank case tube and he fuel vapour hose that attaches to the top of the intake manifold. I also replace the various fuel evap lines and the pcv.

Could I have caused my own problems by using the incorrect O2 sensors?

Thank you for your help.
Cheers,

 

[gdgiordano]

Hello,
Not my brightest moment.
I installed four upstream 02 sensors on all four locations on my exhaust system.
Could this be causing my constant lean code, O2 symptoms?

I've replaced every vacuum line to the intake and the crank case tube and he fuel vapour hose that attaches to the top of the intake manifold. I also replace the various fuel evap lines and the pcv.

Could I have caused my own problems by using the incorrect O2 sensors?

Thank you for your help.
Cheers,

I am not certain but I bet the o2 sensors could be causing that. Definitely stop driving the vehicle until you get the right sensors installed if possible. You can burn stuff up bad.

 

[08EddieCA]

Since my upstreams are correct. Can I simply remove the lower O2 sensors and drive for a few days? I have to drive my son to school about four miles round trip early in the morning.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

I thought the only difference was one set are normal and one set have heaters built into them and I would think if the o2 sensors were bad or wrong the truck would never come out of open loop and have a rich condition but then again my brothers 04 ex has a CEL for bad o2 lean bank 1 same as my GF's 04 trailblazer throws a lean code for bad o2 sensor

 

[gdgiordano]

I thought the only difference was one set are normal and one set have heaters built into them and I would think if the o2 sensors were bad or wrong the truck would never come out of open loop and have a rich condition but then again my brothers 04 ex has a CEL for bad o2 lean bank 1 same as my GF's 04 trailblazer throws a lean code for bad o2 sensor

I don’t think so but idk for sure.

Did the codes start shortly after when you replaced the sensors?

 

[08EddieCA]

I don’t think so but idk for sure.

Did the codes start shortly after when you replaced the sensors?

Takes about 25-50 miles before the code and check engine light comes on. The cats have been getting very hot in temp lately too. I have 140k On the Odo.

 

[gdgiordano]

Takes about 25-50 miles before the code and check engine light comes on. The cats have been getting very hot in temp lately too. I have 140k On the Odo.

Right. If the codes started 25-50 miles after the sensor change I bet it’s the sensors.

 

[Mbrooks420]

They are wide vs narrow band. They are your problem, almost certainly. I’d not drive it, unless you are in the mood to drop hundreds on replacing the catalytic converters.

 

[08EddieCA]

If I cut the wires on the O2s on the cats will I prevent damage while I wait for the new ones to arrive?

 

[gdgiordano]

If I cut the wires on the O2s on the cats will I prevent damage while I wait for the new ones to arrive?

No because your fuel fixture is jacked bad. Do not drive it.

 

[08EddieCA]

It’s parked. New O2s have Been ordered expedited.

 

[gdgiordano]

It’s parked. New O2s have Been ordered expedited.

Good! I hope that does it. Those are used to mix fuel. If that doesn’t work try spraying a little starter fluid in the air around the manifold and if the RPMs jump you’ve got bad seals. **DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY ON THR ENGINE* That happened on my 1997 4L SOHC. Basically the same engine internally. Caused the same exact codes. Since you messed with the downstream sensors then the light came on I bet it’s the sensors. The seals around the manifold are your next step if the sensors don’t do it.

 

[gdgiordano]

Also spray away from the intake towards the driver door.

 

[08EddieCA]

I just ordered the seals. I ordered the FelPros. I heard they are pretty reliable. My dad thinks rubbing some motor oil on the mating serfaces of the intake seals helps "seal" the seals to the block. I've never heard of this before but he works on much older cars.

 

[08EddieCA]

They are wide vs narrow band. They are your problem, almost certainly. I’d not drive it, unless you are in the mood to drop hundreds on replacing the catalytic converters.

Interesting you mention the CATS. My cat temps are exceptionally high. I wonder if this is the cause. This would suck.

 

[gdgiordano]

I just ordered the seals. I ordered the FelPros. I heard they are pretty reliable. My dad thinks rubbing some motor oil on the mating serfaces of the intake seals helps "seal" the seals to the block. I've never heard of this before but he works on much older cars.

I would have waited to see if the sensors take care of it but ok

 

[08EddieCA]

I may pull the valve covers off to take a look at the chain guides so I'll have to pull the manifold. I did recently put a new seal on the EGR metal tube that slides into the manifold just to make sure that wasn't leaking. It was a snug fit. The re connection of the egr pipe was a pain.

 

[gdgiordano]

I may pull the valve covers off to take a look at the chain guides so I'll have to pull the manifold. I did recently put a new seal on the EGR metal tube that slides into the manifold just to make sure that wasn't leaking. It was a snug fit. The re connection of the egr pipe was a pain.

I would really slow down haha. I really think your issue was the downstream sensors.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your catalytic converters are overheating because your wide band sensors are out of spec and the truck thinks it’s running lean, so it’s dumping excess fuel in trying to reach its O2 sensor voltage target, which it can’t reach due to the incorrect sensors.

 

[08EddieCA]

Update: Sprayed brake cleaner on intake manifold. Port 5 caused a reduction in rpm multiple times. I am going to repace all seals when I change o2 sensors. Engine was cold when I sprayed the solvent.