I have a '93 pickup aftermarket headers. When i got it, it ran fine. After a while the check engine light came on and I started to intermenantly lose power. Checked for codes and I believe it read "exhaust lean" my tech informed it is because I am missing the lead o2 sensor. He recomended an o2 sensor simulator by magnum. I checked into it a little, is anyone familiar with this?

 

Why not just weld a bung in install the correct O2 sensor and do it correct it would be cheaper and legal.

Funny that the tech would not suggest to fix it correct.

 

Your mechanic sounds like a hack. A rear o2 simulator is ideal in some cases, but never a front o2 sensor. Your everything will suffer. Weld in a screw in bung and get a $35 Denso universal at the very least. They even make a "no weld" o2 bung kit so you can DIY

 

My thoughts exactly Wyoming9. I ordered that "no weld" o2 bung kit. Thanks Drew. With that, is it ideal to go back with an oem sensor? To what extent is my motor suffering with no upstream sensor? I know that with it running lean that it is not getting properly lubricated, but I driven it couple weeks since and have no idea how many miles were put on it before I aquired it. What exactly is it damaging, and is it make or break?

Sorry for the delayed response, Thanks

 

Fueling has nothing to do with lubrication unlike a two stroke. Not running a front O2 sensor Will keep the computer in open loop thus put it in an extremely rich conservative state that will not damage your truck. You are losing power and fuel mileage aplenty. You really shouldn't have much to worry about as far as internal damage. It will absolutely not be running lean without that sensor, and that's when you have problems. I'd definitely stay with Denso o2. I use the universal sensors and solder them in to save a few bucks. You can definitely use the "right" one that plugs right in if your o2 harness plugs are still intact.