Is my O2 sensor not perfect?

[aviper4u]

Heya all,

I have a NB8B and the other night i was driving and stuck at lights with no cars around and could smell exhaust fumes...

There were no other cars around so it must of been my car

Car runs alright though its made me think maybe the O2 sensor is getting old and maybe running abit too rich even though hot?

Im gonna change the air filter when I get a chance though what are people's thoughts also my car is getting old i guess as its an early NB8B.... 17ish years old

[bruce]

Exhaust leak. Just idle the car and sniff everywhere.

[hks_kansei]

Yeah, I'd be looking for an exhaust leak.

Or just check the vaccum lines etc for the charcoal canister, it's what filters/catches the fumes from the fuel tank.

[Aiming Faster]

Probably a warm night, windows down or fan sucking fresh, gentle breeze blowing past the exhaust outlet toward the front..........

[manga_blue]

... or else you were right in the first place and your O2 sensor is getting old.

Typical maximum service life:

1 or 2 wire Oxygen sensors - have a typical service life of 50,000 Km’s
3 or 4 wire Oxygen Sensors (Thimble type) - have a typical service life of 80,000 Km’s
Planar Type (Thick film) Oxygen sensors- have a typical service life of 150,000 Km’s

They tend to get weaker as they age and this causes the ECU to deliver richer mixtures.

[aviper4u]

Hmm yea a mate of mine has mentioned before that my car sounds like it may have a leak... i guess i'll check it out when i can

also what type of O2 sensor does a standard NB8B have 1/2/? wire etc?

[manga_blue]

NA8s and all NBs have thimble style 4 wire sensors.