How quickly can a plug fowl w/o an O2 sensor?

[rcfanatic]

I'm finishing rebuilding my 327i project and I bought new plugs, but my new O2 sensor won't be here until next week. Should I use my old plugs that have a ton of carbon build up, or just install the new plugs because a few days isn't that big of a deal? I ride my bike to work and generally put very few miles on the car as it is.

Opinions? Experiences? Thanks

[u3b3rg33k]

Propane torch + old plugs = no carbon.

[rcfanatic]

no torch =/

[u3b3rg33k]

use a gas stove then.

[jlevie]

With or without an O2 sensor how fast plugs will foul out is determined by if the engine is burning oil (and how much) and whether the engine is running richer than it should. If the engine is tight and the engine management system is operating correctly the plugs won't foul out.

[rcfanatic]

With or without an O2 sensor how fast plugs will foul out is determined by if the engine is burning oil (and how much) and whether the engine is running richer than it should. If the engine is tight and the engine management system is operating correctly the plugs won't foul out.

Assuming that everything else is OK, I thought the engine would run rich without an O2 sensor, thus fouling the plugs. So you're saying this isn't the case? Just trying to clarify

[jlevie]

The engine should run conservatively with no O2 sensor, i.e., slightly rich. But that by itself won't foul out plugs.

[rcfanatic]

perfect. thanks again

[lennon]

i can confirm this as i've run my 2.7i car for a loooong time with no O2 sensor. plugs always look perfect. the DME is smart enough not to over-fuel the engine just because it doesn't have that reading from the O2 sensor.

edit to add lol at "fowl"-ed plug.

[rcfanatic]

hah, yeah I realized the typo right after I clicked submit, but you can't edit the title as it appears in the subforum/list

[llll1l1ll]

Usually my plugs don't turn into birds ever.

:-D