Oxygen Sensor Gasket

An oxygen sensor assists in controlling fuel and ignition systems. Meanwhile, an oxygen sensor gasket is an important replacement part of an oxygen sensor that keeps it running smoothly and connects it better to the car's engine. It's used because mating parts of your oxygen sensor and the engine have less-than-perfect mating surfaces but can easily hook up solidly with the addition of the gasket. Now, if you're searching for this particular part, you might get confused as to which one to get. Here, read on this article to help you get started.

Dos and Don'ts

1. Do check the make, model, year, and engine type of your vehicle. It's important to know what's the make and model of your car (or van, SUV, truck, and so forth) before getting the right oxygen sensor gasket. For most vehicles, you can get the year, make, and model on the driver's side doorjamb. You might need to consult your user manual or your mechanic in regards to the type of engine your roadster is using. Either that, or just "Google" it!
2. Do consider the material, pricing, and other features. The oxygen sensor gasket is usually made of steel and, depending on what car you're driving, costs a little over $6. Internet pricing allows it to get discounted all the way to a little over $3, though. You want something that can resist corrosion and last for a long time.
3. Do learn oxygen sensor numbering and classification. Aside from knowing the year, make, model, and engine type of your car, it helps to know the numbering and classification of the gasket itself to get the perfect-fitting gasket. These sensors are numbered as either Bank 1 Sensor 1, Bank 2 Sensor 1, and so forth or Sensor 1/1 or O2s 1/1, Sensor 2/1 or O2s 2/1, and so forth. The numbering corresponds to location, like Bank 1 is at the side of your engine where Cylinder 1 is found or Sensor 1 is the upstream sensor located over the catalytic converter.
4. Don't automatically assume it's a gasket problem. If the sensor itself is faulty, a gasket isn't enough to fix it. Consult with your mechanic regarding whether or not your sensor malfunction is a gasket problem. A loose connection can render the oxygen sensor inoperable. It's also possible that you've replaced your sensor but have gotten the wrong type of sensor, so gasket replacement won't help in that scenario in the least.

Conclusion

The gasket is a diamond-shaped three-hole component with two smaller side holes and a big center hole that fits perfectly into your oxygen sensor. It's usually 0.08 inches thick and weighs 0.025 pounds. You usually buy this mechanical seal whenever the original gasket the sensor came with is broken or loose. Again, it's recommended that your dealership take care of it since gaskets are cheap; but if you want to save a few dollars, you'll need to take extra time to research on which gasket is the perfect fit.