O2 sensor

[lcsmith6922]

While driving west on I40 after filling the tank with 86 octane gas, I was climbing up to Albuquerque with a stiff head wind and 100 deg temps at 6500 ft elevation, towing a Honda CRV so the engine was spending a lot of time at high RPMs in 3rd gear and even 2nd a few times. About 100 miles from ABQ the service engine warning light came on. Continued to our destination (American RV Park on west side of ABQ). Had code read and had a single P0131 = 02 sensor low voltage bank 1 sensor 1. I reset the code. Also added about 25 gals of 89 octane to the gas.

I have about 800 miles to go to reach my home in CA.

Can I drive the MH the 800 miles or should I get the 02 sensor replaced before I proceed?

Slumpy

[dieselclacker]

Slumpy.

If you are worried about putting in 86 octane, I have used it in my workhorse on many occassions, with no problems.

I have driven your route many times both east and west bound, and would not be too concerned about continuing on toward home without replacement of the 02 sensor. Probably is a fluke, and will light up the check engine light again if it is still problematic. I know the section of I 40 you are referring to, and it is quite a pull. I try to hold the RPM to 4000 tops, regardless of the gear selected.

Dieselclacker

[lcsmith6922]

Dieselclacker,

Thanks for the response.

I've used 86 octane many times before also but never in these conditions: high ambient temps, high elevations, and high engine RPMs for extended periods so wasn't sure if that may have contributed to the engine service light/O2 sensor low voltage problem.

Anyway think I'll take your advice and start back west on Monday and see if the engine service light stays out.

Slumpy

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcsmith6922 Thanks for the response.

Slumpy, Please know that the minimum octane requirement for the 8.1L Vortec engine is 87 octane. When I was running out your way, I purchased the 88 Octane and I had no worries or problems.

I called the TAC (technical assistance center) when I was out your way and this is what they told me to burn. I'm only the messenger!

[lcsmith6922]

Driver,
thanks!! Understand and concur. Now what are your thoughts on the O2 sensor?

Slumpy

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcsmith6922 Can I drive the MH the 800 miles or should I get the 02 sensor replaced before I proceed?

Slumpy, Go ahead and drive the motorhome. No need to replace the O2 sensor right now. Keep an eye on it to see if it throws any more codes.

I replaced both of my O2 sensors because I was getting extremely "bad" fuel mileage. Once replaced and the ECM learned a few new tricks were back in the saddle again!

O2 sensors can be very brutish in getting them to come out. I took care of with a ~20 year old tech!

[kayo]

While 87 octane is common back east, for the most part 86 ann 85 is the octane of regular gas sold in the mountain states. I can't remember why but it definitely has something to do with combustion at altitude.
That being said , where are these things located, part number, how difficult is it to replace them, and by chance does anyone have the page number of the 8000+ page WorkHorse shop manual to tell me how to do this?

[M&EM]

Try pages 6-3319 to6-3321

Marty

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

85 octane was originally required in the higher elevation states due to emissions prior to fuel injected engines. They've never updated the octane requirement and eliminated the 85 octane (because fuel injected engines compensate for the elevation,so 85 is not needed). In the lower elevation states 87 octane is usually the lower octane and the cheaper price on the pump. In the mountain states 85 octane is more or less the same price as 87 octane is in the lower elevation states. In my opinion this means the gas companies can charge more for 87 in the mountain states because it's "supposedly" a higher grade fuel.

Personally I can run 85 or 87 and notice no difference in the operation of my vehicles.

[kayo]

Thanks for the help. The page references gave me an Idea of what I was looking for. I found the specifics for the 8.1 on pages (S1)6-550 to 560. sure makes me long for the simple days when I rebuilt a 283 to put into a Jeep!

[M&EM]

Kayo, Sorry about that. I was looking at wrong engine -- 7.4l. Glad you found it any way.

Marty

[JonBrazel]

Pretty straight forward install...just follow the manifolds down and where they start to bend you will see a sensor screwed into a bung. 13/16" open end wrench takes the sensor out, you will want to disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness before unscrewing the sensor. The connector is held in place with a blue catch that slides out and then just lift the tab on the connector and it will slip right off the harness connection.

[Pubtym]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Slumpy, Go ahead and drive the motorhome. No need to replace the O2 sensor right now. Keep an eye on it to see if it throws any more codes. I replaced both of my O2 sensors because I was getting extremely "bad" fuel mileage. Once replaced and the ECM learned a few new tricks were back in the saddle again! O2 sensors can be very brutish in getting them to come out. I took care of with a ~20 year old tech!

Mike,

I have the 2006 Itasca 35U with 8.1L . I'm approaching 55,000 and looking at replacing O2 sensors....ie ECM & mileage. Just replaced MAF and big improvement.. no more random slight hesitations..

Please confirm there are two sensors..That's what I see-find. ..one each on the dual pipes. I see the etching "Denso" on one sensor but I cannot see the Denso part number..I'd like to replace with Denso...

Please steer me to Denso Part number for O2 sensor 8.1L Vortec.

The AC Delco part number on OEMy's site does not crossover. The Denso is a three wire.

Thanks,

Charlie

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pubtym Please confirm there are two sensors..That's what I see-find. ..one each on the dual pipes. I see the etching "Denso" on one sensor but I cannot see the Denso part number..I'd like to replace with Denso...

Yes that is correct, there are 2 O2 sensors - one in each downpipe.

Quote:

Please steer me to Denso Part number for O2 sensor 8.1L Vortec.

I'll get back to you tomorrow, I don't have those number in front of me at the moment....

Quote:

The AC Delco part number on OEMy's site does not crossover. The Denso is a three wire.

The GMC / Chevy dealer will have those and they could be Delco units. It's their motor.