Fitting lambda sensor

[iani]

From what I've read it looks like the best place to fit a single lambda sensor is on the balance pipe, my question is should I be able to get someone to weld the boss in situ or do I need to remove the exhaust first?

Ian

[Danny]

Ian,

It may be a silly question, why do you want to fit a lambda sensor?

Danny

[iani]

Ian,

It may be a silly question, why do you want to fit a lambda sensor?

Danny

To feed an AFR gauge, I have had numerous issues with getting these carbs running correctly, my CO meter reads fairly erratically and this has been verified on another unit. I'd like to have a view as to what the AFR is under load.

Ian

[mjheathcote]

I fitted mine on the nearside link pipe, on the top, just behind the cross member.
This position offers protection to the sensor shielded behind the cross member, and being on the top is the recommendation so the tip of the sensor does not get contaminated with any settled water vapour/condensation in the pipe.
To do it, the link pipe needs to come off. Not a big job.
Cheers.

[jusm]

Hi, Ive got mine in the balance pipe at the recommended 10 degree upwards angle. If you cut the hole just right (ie a fraction undersize) you can just screw the unit in tight, without the need for the bung or any welding. I did it with the pipe in place, but it would have been easier removed.

Cheers
Justin

[jusm]

I fitted mine on the nearside link pipe, on the top, just behind the cross member.
This position offers protection to the sensor shielded behind the cross member, and being on the top is the recommendation so the tip of the sensor does not get contaminated with any settled water vapour/condensation in the pipe.
To do it, the link pipe needs to come off. Not a big job.
Cheers.

Hi Mike doesnt that mean you only get a reading from one side?

[new to this]

do lambda senors come in difference sizes ?

dave

[Stagsongas]

Mostly they are the same physical size, save awkward Jaguar items,

I forgot what the most common thread is but it's the same as Ford Pinto spark plugs. Rumour was that when US legislation (Californian) was announced, the Ford backroom boys began development of the Lambda (02) sensor by using a Pinto spark plug body as a beginning. Justin rightly suggested making the sensor thread into the pipe, it does work with patience, but it's even easier if you grind a groove or three in an old plug thread and use it as a tap.

Regards

Steve

[mjheathcote]

Hi Mike doesnt that mean you only get a reading from one side?

Yep, but I have a Holley so no carb balancing issues.
Even if mounted on a common link pipe, you won't know if you have a problem on one side compared to the other so still no advantage.
The balance pipe position, according to my 'kit', would be too far away from the engine, they specified a min and max distance from the exhaust ports to mount the sensor.

[new to this]

Mostly they are the same physical size, save awkward Jaguar items,

I forgot what the most common thread is but it's the same as Ford Pinto spark plugs. Rumour was that when US legislation (Californian) was announced, the Ford backroom boys began development of the Lambda (02) sensor by using a Pinto spark plug body as a beginning. Justin rightly suggested making the sensor thread into the pipe, it does work with patience, but it's even easier if you grind a groove or three in an old plug thread and use it as a tap.

Regards

Steve

steve

thanks ,what does wide band and narrow band mean,and how do they work ?

dave

[mjheathcote]

Mostly they are the same physical size, save awkward Jaguar items,

I forgot what the most common thread is but it's the same as Ford Pinto spark plugs. Rumour was that when US legislation (Californian) was announced, the Ford backroom boys began development of the Lambda (02) sensor by using a Pinto spark plug body as a beginning. Justin rightly suggested making the sensor thread into the pipe, it does work with patience, but it's even easier if you grind a groove or three in an old plug thread and use it as a tap.

Regards

Steve

I wouldn't recommend that, the wall of an exhaust pipe (approx 1.5mm) is too thin and how do you seal the sensor against the curvature of the pipe? The one thing you don't want with a sensor is the possibility of drawing in air, or the whole idea of having one is wasted!

[mjheathcote]

Narrow band is what it says, it's only capable of readings near the optimum 14.7 position of max engine efficiency.
Later wide band sensors can measure between 10 and 20, the full range, so you can see if running very lean or very rich.

[new to this]

thanks mike

[jusm]

I wouldn't recommend that, the wall of an exhaust pipe (approx 1.5mm) is too thin and how do you seal the sensor against the curvature of the pipe? The one thing you don't want with a sensor is the possibility of drawing in air, or the whole idea of having one is wasted!

Hi yeah its really only temporary as I'm fitting a new straight through exhaust soon and will fit it properly off the car. In answer to the air leak question though, I'm not sure how hot the exhaust gets at the balance pipe, but wouldnt' some 210 celcius silicon do the trick?

Cheers
Justin

[jusm]

While we've got the lamba club posting

What a/f ratio do you guys aim for at idle, light load and WOT? Or I guess whats a good trade off between them all.