O2 extender

[jgjeeper]

Anybody have a link or pert number of the correct O2 extender for the front O2 sensor? I've done a lot of the other things to deal with the P0420 code and now I want to try the extender. Tried a search in this forum but nothing helpful came up. Found this on Ebay but I have no idea if it's the right one. Oxygen Sensor O2 Spacer 18mm Thread M18 x 1 5 Extender Universal 46mm Long | eBay

[1 Lucky Texan]

are you sure you want to run that extender on the FRONT sensor?

did you read thru here?; P0420 Diag

[jgjeeper]

Originally Posted by 1 Lucky Texan

are you sure you want to run that extender on the FRONT sensor?

did you read thru here?; P0420 Diag

Well that's what my memory was telling me, but since I didn't know for sure and the search engine on here let me down I started a thread to get some helpful info. If it's supposed to be the rear O2 for the extender that's some good info. It's also a cheap thing to try so it's up there high on the list of things to try. Changing the thermostat and bottom radiator hose was already in the back of my head as things that need replacing. Upper hose sprung a leak 2 yrs ago and was replaced.

[susiemk]

2 spark plug antifoulers on the rear o2 sensor will kill the po420 - #1 is left alone #2 is drilled out to allow the o2 sensor to thread in.

[cardoc]

Why would you want to treat something you depend on daily in such a manner?

You may get the light off, but you will not correct the problem. Taking the O2 sensor out of the exhaust stream is not a good idea.

You need to find what the problem is before it gets worse. If your engine is not performing as its designed and you have a high amount of HC, you will end up clogging the CAT which creates a lot of backpressure to the engine, creating higher engine loads and loss of power. Not to mention potential damage to internal parts.

Find the problem. Don't mask it. You can't sweep it under the carpet and forget it.

If you have been relying on a shop to find the problem and have been spending money only to be right back at the start, then find someone who knows what they are doing who can get to the issue and correct it.

,

[jgjeeper]

Originally Posted by cardoc

Why would you want to treat something you depend on daily in such a manner?

You may get the light off, but you will not correct the problem. Taking the O2 sensor out of the exhaust stream is not a good idea.


,

Why would Subaru treat it's customers this way?! How about building a car with a computer that actually told you what was wrong with it when you put a scanner on it because the check engine light came on.
I generally try to do stuff like this myself. There is no shop involved especially now while I'm laid off again. Several months ago I changed the PCV valve and the light stayed off for a while. I was just starting to think that was it when it came back on (right after the wife put gas in it). Maybe it's the gas every time, I don't know. This is a irritant that shouldn't exist. I'll be replacing the thermostat, lower hose and coolant if need and put in new spark plugs. And then we'll see how long the light takes to come again.

[1 Lucky Texan]

as frustrated as you are, NO car's diagnostic system can tell you what component to change. Subaru is no better ,no worse in this respect than other car makers.

[cardoc]

Originally Posted by 1 Lucky Texan

as frustrated as you are, NO car's diagnostic system can tell you what component to change. Subaru is no better ,no worse in this respect than other car makers.

Exactly

There is no way a computer is going to know the several aspects of engine performance and know what to pinpoint when it is a mechanical issue. It only sees what the sensors, and not just the O2 or AF, send back to it. It is up to someone like me to find what is causing the problem.

Installing these bungs into the exhaust is like putting away a stale steak and forgetting about it. It will grow into something far worse.

I understand your frustrations, but spending time and money on a patch could lead to larger issues.

Yes, gasoline will cause the code. Run the tank down and fill it up with a major oil company fuel and see what happens.

[jgjeeper]

Well you guys talked me out of the extenders, at least for now. I did change the spark plugs. Wasn't thinking that will have any affect on this issue. But the engine does start easier and maybe idle smoother. It may have been over due. How often are (now platinum) plugs to be changed on these engines?

[1 Lucky Texan]

at 64k or so, the original plugs in my 03 looked like they could go another 20-30k.