Help! Where would I get these from?

DZFord · 04-03-2009, 10:08 PM

When installing some headers on the duratec engine, a CEL (check engine light) comes on. It is due to the second exhaust oxygen sensor complaining about altered airflow due to the installation of more-efficient headers or a high-flow cat (or both). Whilst it has no effect on the engine, it's kind of annoying just sitting there all the time, plus, how would I know if something else is actually wrong with the engine (besides pulling the error codes)?

There is such a thing as a "cheater harness" that simply plugs in to the existing circuitry and eliminates the CEL. european-parts has an example, but this does not work with the x-force headers/cat: HERE (but this is for a de-cat setup)

There are some others too, HERE and HERE, but these are for the Zetec engines.

So, my alternative is a spark plug anti-fouler / non-fouler modification to the 02 sensor, which basically keeps the 02 sensor in the exhaust system but uses a spark plug fouler attachement to slightly remove the sensor from the stream of exhaust gases and therefore correcting the readings.

Here are some links to see how the modification is done: FIRST and SECOND

Now, here is my question: where on earth do I get spark plug non-foulers from? None of the guys at my local Bursons knew what the hell I was on about!

By the way, they need to be 18mm non-foulers and I think the universal part number required is 42002 or 42009.

melbzetec · 04-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I found these two amazon listings

http://shopping.bit-tech.net/us/prod...lug-non-fouler

And ebay

http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=non...uler&_osacat=0

The third way is with a custom tune. When you get a tune, the tuner can switch off the o2 sensor

I'll keep looking.

In Australia, I'd try Repco or Bursons

DZFord · 04-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Thanks mate, I'll check that link.

I've always been considering a custom tune, hopefully my car will end up a Herrod's one day! I'll just need to save for that...

As for Bursons, they nearly laughed at me, as if such a part didn't exist!

melbzetec · 04-03-2009, 10:36 PM

I've updated the links Dan

DZFord · 04-03-2009, 10:42 PM

Thanks again, that'll keep me busy for a while.

Frustratingly, it looks like the 14mm non-foulers are more common than the required 18mm's.

EDIT: amazon.com won't ship it to Australia and the amazon "featured merchants" quote $100 shipping!

I've emailed a few of the international sellers on ebay and will see if they'll mail to Australia.

Cheers.

melbzetec · 04-03-2009, 11:14 PM

If it helps, the HELP! brand part no. is 42002. That's the 18mm tapered

DZFord · 05-03-2009, 12:03 AM

Thanks Steve, purchased it through good old ebay!

2 adaptors at $2.99US each = a very cheap mod! Shipping will be $14US, priority post.

Mullett · 06-03-2009, 07:58 PM

If that doesn't work for you, let me know and I'll machine you one out of billet bar stock.

-RM.

DZFord · 06-03-2009, 09:25 PM

Thanks mate! I'll let you know if I need a hand.

wallabies · 18-03-2009, 11:24 AM

did you end up getting the part to stop the check engine light to go off?

BlackLS · 18-03-2009, 11:29 AM

http://www.european-parts.net/catalo...roducts_id=942

DZFord · 18-03-2009, 12:58 PM

Yeah I purchased the o2 cheater harness from european-parts and it didn't work. As they state, it is probably more for a decat setup. If I had known about the spark plug fouler trick I would've tried this first before spending on the harness + freight!

As for the fouler trick, I haven't had time to install it yet and I also need to go and buy some anti-seize lubricant first. I'll update here and let you know if it has worked.