Time for new O2 sensor? Pic included.

[Timp]

What do you think? I know this isn't like looking at a spark plug, but doesn't this white powdery buildup say something? Unfortunately I have no idea when it was replaced. I'm in the pursuit of tackling my poor economy.



Thoughts?

[jlevie]

The O2 sensor is a scheduled maintenance item with a replacement interval of 100k. If the car has that or higher mileage and you don't when, or if, it was replaced, install a new one. The other major contributors to poor mileage are intake leaks (have a smoke test run), a cold running engine, and misfires from old or wrong plugs and aged ignition parts. Fix any intake leaks that the smoke test finds, verify that the engine is operating at norma temperatures (use a contact or IR thermometer on the head), and replace the distributor rotor, cap, ignition wires and plugs. Which plugs to use depend on which engine the car has.

[dnguyen1963]

Unfortunately, the look of an O2 sensor tip does not tell you much about its condition. However, the base of your sensor seems to have had its days so replacement is not a bad idea.