The AC dryer leak probably is a big deal. The usual cause is the
heat/pressure relief plug and that is a sign of many other things being
wrong including a system badly over charged.

For the O2 sensor leave it disconnected and be sure the wire end is not
shorted. That green wire is actually a coaxial wire with an outer shield. Be
sure the outer shield and inner wire are not connected.

For the exhaust pipes welding is only a temporary repair. Replace just the
bad pipes for now.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of A
J
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2010 6:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: O2 sensor necessary or jumper the wires on 85 GL 1.9

I just picked up an 85 GL and there are several things wrong/bad about
it. The A/C dryer has a leak - no big deal. The power steering hose to
the rack has a leak about midpoint to the rack, and the exhaust is
mostly garbage and that is my primary concern. Because the bucks are
tight I am trying to get by for the time being.
I assume the with the ox sensor being gone entirely  is most of the
problem for the really bad idle and running rich and I was wondering
if it is possible to just jumper the wiring at the sensor connection
point to get it running better while I sort out the exhaust and other
items?
I assume that since the wires are not connected to any sensor that the
circuit is open and sending a fault reading to the ECU and the 1.9 is
running in default mode. If I temporarily jumper the wire so it would
seem connected to a sensor would the ECU the assume the o2 is
functioning properly and resume its normal running mode.
I believe I will need to have some welding done on the exhaust because
it looks like the sensor threads are stripped and I dont think I can
simply install a sensor without repairing the pipe and mount. I
welcome any comments and opinions on the matter.

Thanks.

A J
87 GL
85 GL
Ridge Manor, Fl