I bought the expensive O2 sensor and it had a little sauce on the threads
that looked a lot like anti seize compound, but maybe the factory put it on
where it wouldn't screw up the workings.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel
-----Original Message-----
From: Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@home.com>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, July 14, 2000 8:02 AM
Subject: Re: anti-seize + oxy sensor ??

>Eric,
>
>Most likely you have ruined the 02 sensor.  They are sensitive to
>various chemicals and unless the jar of anti-sieze specifically states
>that it "won't harm oxygen sensors" it probably will.  the exhaust heat
>burned off some stuff in the compound that poisoned your sensor.
>
>I have never used any for this in 200,000 miles and never had a problem
>with them seizing.  Just buy the Bosch universal for about $40, works
>fine, even in the three wire systems, just get the wiring right!  Or you
>might even just replace your old one if the car was running okay, they
>can last a long time with a properly running engine, easily over 100k.
>
>
>Eric Giroux wrote:
>>
>> Mmmm...this hit me in the face when I woke up this morning...
>>
>> I installed a new oxygen sensor at the end of last year, and I used
>> anti-seize compound on the threads. I just realized that my famous
'bucking
>> syndrome' started some time after that. Some might argue that this
syndrome
>> adds character to the van/owner, but I'm not there yet.  Don't want it!
>>
>> Is it possible that this compound is interfering with the sensor's
>> function? The compound is made by Lock-Tite, small plastic grey jar,
bought
>> at Canadian Tire.
>>
>> The symptoms are rich-running, to a point where one of the plugs fouled
and
>> I was running on more or less 3 cylinders.  Replaced the plugs: van is
>> nice, fast, and smooth (for a couple of days). Then it's running rough
again.
>>
>> BTW, 84 westy.
>>
>> �ric
>
>--
>Stuart MacMillan
>Seattle
>
>'84 Vanagon Westfalia
>'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
>'74 MGB GT (Restoring)
>
>Assisting on Restoration:
>'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
>'64 MGB (Son's)
>
>Parts cars:
>'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT