Solder or Crimp O2 sensor?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mike690003 · #1 08-15-2003, 11:56 PM

HEllo Board,

I plan on purchasing the Ford Mustang oxygen sensor for my 1987 300E. Will it be okay if I crimp the wires together or do I have to solder the wires together??

DanielW · #2 08-16-2003, 12:56 AM

I did this on my 87 300E about 5 months ago.

I tried to buy the Ford connector (On Car), but my ford dealer could not find any part numbers for just that connector. I did however find one from a salvage yard for $2.00.

I then fabricated a 6" piece that mated on one end with the Ford(Bosch) O2 and on the other end I soldered on the MB connector from the old MB O2 sensor. In this way I am able just plug in the connectors. Doing all the soldering and heat shrink on my work bench. I could go back to a MB part if I chose to buy one next time, or another Ford(Bosch) would just snap in.

It seems to work fine.... at least one tech replied to me that I should not have (2) connections since that might degrade the signal voltage. Both the connectors, Ford and MB are inside the car under the floor mat. and both had waterproof "O" rings.

Don't just twist them together..... that might work for a while but may cause trouble after normal oxidation of the wire's metal creates a small resistance.

Luck to you,
DanielW

Richard Wooldridge · #3 08-16-2003, 01:28 AM

Hi there,
I've had problems with soldering when there's vibration involved. The wires are much more prone to breakage when they are soldered, as the individual strands cannot flex as well. For this reason I prefer to use a good crimp connector. If you are worried about possible corrosion, use some silicon and coat both ends of the crimped connection, then wrap with tape.

Richard Wooldridge
'82 300D/4.3L V6
Etc...

Phalcon51 · #4 08-16-2003, 02:04 AM

tkamiya,

Do you know a good source (online or otherwise) for a proper crimping tool as well as some decent crimp connectors?

Mike69003,

Please post a followup after you install the Ford sensor. I'm planning to do the same on my 86 300E as soon as I can find that elusive Ford mating connector and I'd like to hear how yours went.

Does anyone know what other Ford models might have used the same 3-pin sealed male connector as the Mustang?

Gary

mike690003 · #5 08-16-2003, 02:21 AM

I will definitely post a follow up on my installation of the Ford sensor.

Here is my diagnosis of my earlier post:

My car's mixture was adjusted to spec,but "Mr. Oxygen Sensor" was so old that he basically was dead and caused my car to run poorly when the mixture was properly adjusted.

Sounds correct???

#6 08-16-2003, 04:26 AM

Quote:

My car's mixture was adjusted to spec,but "Mr. Oxygen Sensor" was so old that he basically was dead and caused my car to run poorly when the mixture was properly adjusted.

A number of factors/faulty components would cause the same symptoms.

Systematic testing will help you troubleshoot the problem and will stop you from throwing unnecessary parts at the problem.

The O2 sensor can actually be tested at it's connector under the passenger side carpet with a voltmeter to confirm if it's faulty.

Do a search, there have been many discussions with regards to the O2 sensor.

Cheers.

stevebfl · #7 08-16-2003, 09:03 AM

I of course would never use generic parts to professional fix MB cars.

BUT, if I were doing it, I would remove the Bosch sensor, cut the last 5inches with the connector from both the old and new sensors and I would then, on the bench solder and heat shrink all the connections such that the new sensor then has the old connector.

Then just install as one would the proper new part.

Phalcon51 · #8 08-16-2003, 12:58 PM

tkamiya,

Thanks for the info.

Checking on ebay and Google for crimping tools there are dozens of different types (RJ45, RG6, RG59, W100, etc.). Is there any type of classification number for a simple wire splice type crimper that you know of, or any model number within the brands you mentioned that I can look for?

Thanks

Gary

hihosilver · #9 08-16-2003, 03:41 PM

what was the # for the ford unit and from which car, I like the idea of the soder and the shrink tubing much better for the long run

MTI · #10 08-16-2003, 04:36 PM

You're looking for the 1990 Ford Mustang 5.0L V-8. It's a Bosch unit with metric threads and a dab of anti-seize already applied. Parts counter guys might tell you there's more than one to choose from because (1) some had different length leads, but that doesn't matter to you because you're going to cut off the Ford connector, and (2) some of the cars had two O2 sensors, but you just need one.

hihosilver · #11 08-16-2003, 05:37 PM

thanks for the info as I need to do this soon the milage is down and I don't know if was ever changed before I got it, now at 117000

MARIO FARIAS · #12 08-17-2003, 12:53 AM

Thanks .

Please Sirs, Is this Oxigen Sensor for Ford Mustang 1990, 5.0 L. V-8, applied in the 300 E & 190 E, 2.6, 1988?

How to install?.

Mario Farias
laprefar@cantv.net

MTI · #13 08-17-2003, 02:26 AM

The 1990 Mustang sensor is pretty much the same 3-wire sensor used in the Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and a few Saabs as well. It's been widely discussed in the forums for those vehicles as well, especially the outrage on the pricing. There are some vehicles that use single wire or dual wire sensors, which are also available.

Meza · #14 08-17-2003, 10:18 AM

This is my sensor and I listed it on ebay last night. Check it out.
Ebay item# 2428424058 or search for:
Mercedes Benz 190E 300E Bosch Oxygen Sensor.
Meza

Phalcon51 · #15 08-18-2003, 01:09 AM

Meza,

If that is your actual sensor depicted in the photo on ebay, it won't fit a 300E, at least not an 86 or 87. The lead on the 300E needs to be considerably longer, close to 16"-18". According to the pictures on FastLane even the 93 models use the longer lead, but I only have actual experience with an '86.

Gary