LC-1 Wideband sensor failures

[prove_it]

Curious if anyone else has been having issues in keeping the bosch 3737 wideband sensor alive. In the last 30k miles and 4 years I've had 4 sensors fail now. Each one will just stop responding. I've done free air calibration, heater calibration, checked voltages and such. Seems like they are dying to fast. 2 sensors on E85 and 2 on gas have failed. Only moving about 36-38lbs/min air, no leaded fuel, not burning oil, also the sensor is located far down by the front axle in front of the rear subframe. I suspect that they are getting hot, so I'll be adding a heat sink to the new one. Luckily oreilly's auto parts has them for about $50, just don't get why they die so fast.

I was wondering what everyone thinks about this.

 

[EHmotorsports]

I've had issues with loosing calibration but haven't had a failure yet. Power surge and getting to hot were my issues. I would install a heat sink.

 

[ktmrider]

What is the sensor mounting "angle" or bung placement? With the ground being 6 o'clock you should always keep it between 1000 and 200, ideally 1200/full vertical.

Sensor tip will fill with water/debris/oil/fuel from the exhaust and cause premature failure.

 

[prove_it]

Nope mounted at about 1:30. Not sure if winter driving could be causing water build up and "shock" to the sensor. It's hard to think that it's heat related since it's about 2 feet downstream from the turbine outlet, but hey a heatsink can't hurt. Oh and I rarely run anything richer than 11.5:1.

 

[dandanger]

Been having mine now for about two years without problems. Drive my car daily plus occasional icetrack/track.

Pic of install:

 

[prove_it]

What depth is your bung mounted at? Been wondering if a bung extender would help.

 

[dandanger]

Came with the package, MTX-L version. Can't remember the size.

 

[se7enine]

I think the MTX bung is 1" so sensor sits flush with interior of exhaust wall. Isn't the bung supposed to be mounted before the flex pipe?

 

[dandanger]

Could be quite close to 1in. There are so many installations than there are people, some use stock place, I decided to put it far as possible from manifold to have it not so hot. Readings in my gauge was not far from pro gear at local dyno so I guess it's working nicely.

 

[se7enine]

I'm just wondering if condensation build up is heavier further down stream.

 

[prove_it]

It should be as it's colder back there, but I'd think that 2ft downstream would still burn off quickly after start up.

 

[RedTwo]

Mines installed as per that photo.
For whatever reason I occasionally get it/the gauge losing signal and flashing the equivalent of '12:00' on a VCR is :/