Hi Ed,
    If you use and get any  lead type anti-seize compound near or forward  (upstream)  of the o2 sensor, even a small amount will wipe it out. Try to always use copper anti-seize compound available at most flaps (friendly local auto parts store). 

Darrell

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ed DeBolt 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2000 1:06 PM
  Subject: oxygen sensor problems

  Hi

  I just replaced my muffler. In the process I removed the catalytic pipe and disconnected my oxygen sensor plug. I cleaned up the various joint services and installed new gaskets and bolts and put everything back together. I did not remove or mess with the oxy sensor itself. other than looking at it inside the cat pipe. I plugged the oxygen sensor jack back in and went for a test drive. initially it ran fine ( I guess that is closed end loop) but when the engine started to warm up then my performance went to hell. I disconnected the oxygen sensor plug and could drive home with good engine performance. previously a mechanic had told me that my oxygen sensor is getting lazy and that I should replace it soon. I am planning on doing that soon but in the interim I can't figure out why a new muffler install would cause such problems with the oxy sensor. it was working relatively fine right before the new muffler.

  thanks for any help

  ed

  87 GL

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