Air/Fuel meter, O2 sensor question..

[WWard]

When I did the duraspark conversion and gutted the engine of all the computer crap in my '85 2.8l I clipped the wire to the O2 sensor leaving about a 3 in tail.

Was looking at an Air/Fuel meter and it says it hooks up to an O2 sensor....can I just strip the insulation back on my stock sensor that I left in place and hook the meter to that or is there something else about that O2 sensor wire that I don't know about?

I was hoping the meter installed would help me in tuning the engine and keeping it tuned.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Not sure wether it puts out a millivolt or just a resistor is it only one wire that connects to the meter. Are you using it to try and adjust the carb. The best way to adjust the carb is make sure have all the vacuum leaks fixed and timed around 10-12 btdc vacuum disconnected and plugged, then connect the vacuum to the dizzy turn the idle needles out for either the highest vacuum or rpm and check they are within 1/2 turn between them. Have the advance hooked up to manifold vacuum the tree and with the advance connected at 3500 rpm up around 37 btdc.

 

[BlackBII]

A narrow band fuel ratio gauge will hook right up to your o2 sensor wire.

The gauge will have a power wire, ground wire, and signal wire. Just run a wire from the o2 to the signal wire on the gauge.

It's a narrow band, so it will just be blinking lights...they are somewhat useful though.

 

[WWard]

^^ That's what I was looking for.
So these gauges work better with a wide-band sensor and our trucks have narrow-bands.

It will still work with narrow-band but not quite as well as a wide-band .... hmmm...don't really want to invest in a new sensor. But thanks for the info BlackBII. I might give i a try anyway.

I'm sure it will still come in usefull if/when I get around to a V8 swap.

 

[BlackBII]

Well, there are two types of Gauges AND Sensors.

Narrowband - 1 wire o2, cheap 20$ gauge with blinking lights

Wideband - Heated multi wire o2, expensive 100$ gauge and 100$ controller. For use on newer vehicles and when using a tuner/data logger

 

[WWard]

Oh..OK...I get it now.
I like the cheaper way.
Thanks again.

 

[disciplerocks]

Narrowbands are pretty much pointless. Unless you just want a light show. Widebands are very useful, but if you are are not tuning for boost or making MAF or injectors adjustments, then it would be a waste of money IMO.

 

[The_Dealer]

Narrowbands are pretty much pointless. Unless you just want a light show. Widebands are very useful, but if you are are not tuning for boost or making MAF or injectors adjustments, then it would be a waste of money IMO.

i disagree, it can help out greatly with carb adjustments, whether u are tuning for economy or power

 

[disciplerocks]

Thats kinda what I meant by MAF or injector, just forgot to add in carb adjustments. I was a little narrow minded for a minute I guess lol.