O2 Sensors - Regular Maintainance?

[CanadianZ71]

I have read a little on the fact that O2 sensors should be changed regularily (every 100K miles) as a normal maintainance item, like spark plugs, for optimal engine performance.  Since my truck has four of the pricey buggers I'm slow in believing it to be true.  I was wondering what everyone else thought.  Change them when you have problems (ie. engine check light and a faulty O2) or change em at regular maintainance intervals?

[MemphisDoug]

I'd say wait until that check engine light comes on. Why replace something that is working fine and costs a lot?

[Tucson_02Silverado]

I use to change the O2 sensor every 30K miles, but that was when there was only one and cost $25.  Now I'm pondering waiting til 75K (same as warranty period on all emissions) since there are now 4 and total costs around $330.  But 100K sounds fine.  Even the parts manufacturer BOSCH (and you know they just want to sell stuff) says 100K.

[GnatGoSplat]

Hmmmm... I still have the original O2 in my Cutlass Supreme and that car has 197k miles on it and runs great.

[Tucson_02Silverado]

I think the O2 sensor will send signals to the PCM almost forever, but you have to remember it gets carbon build up and sense less O2 and put the PCM leaner and leaner.  At least in my experience in my 83 Caprice wagon with 350 there was a definite wakeup in throttle response and tire chirping after I replaced the O2 sensor at intervals.  Well, I also ran the Quadrajet with CK secondary rods on a G secondary hanger, made it richer quicker so that probably was the reason the O2 sensor got a little dirty sooner.  Like I said, there used to be only one and costs around $25.  Try a replacement on the Cutlass and open it's eyes a little in it's old age.

 

As far as the new stuff....well with fuel injection and better burn management, I can see where there would be a lot less carbon buildup.