[2jzn54]

Hi,

I ran into a bit of trouble after installing AR Catted DPs. Unfortunately it seems that the O2 Sensor on one of the factory DPs had its threads completely stripped... This leaves me wondering what my options are as I obviously can't put that sensor back in the bung... Any recommendations? I thought about putting a plug in there for the time being, but was concerned about the temps they would be in. How safe is this to drive on? My understanding is that I should pick up one from the dealer and plug it in... What a downer after such a tiring install! Thanks in advance.

[NiVeDh]

Originally Posted by ssharma

Hi,

I ran into a bit of trouble after installing AR Catted DPs. Unfortunately it seems that the O2 Sensor on one of the factory DPs had its threads completely stripped... This leaves me wondering what my options are as I obviously can't put that sensor back in the bung... Any recommendations? I thought about putting a plug in there for the time being, but was concerned about the temps they would be in. How safe is this to drive on? My understanding is that I should pick up one from the dealer and plug it in... What a downer after such a tiring install! Thanks in advance.

Is it one of the front sensors or one of the rear sensors?

[2jzn54]

Rear... I'm also concerned because I noticed a very rough idle after multiple start ups... I'm assuming it is due to crossed O2 sensors though we believe we got them on right... I'll be walking to work tomorrow it seems Don't exactly feel comfortable trying to get the car back on ramps with the rough idle so I can't get under there and check the sensors...

[vereak82]

Crossed O2's will cause rough idle and a check engine light I had the same issues after my install

[cwn23]

Damn that has to be one of the worst feelings after doing the install and find out its not working right

[statelax3]

i did my install today. even on the lift it still took 4 hours and i missed a torx in the heat shield that rattles until it is warm. this install took some patience on my end.

[BMW1986]

I installed my catless downpipes about 2 months ago or so. I have been throwing the code 2C31 which has to do with the O2 Sensors. If you do research you will see more. Mine is failing on "Bank 1". I will be replacing it tomorrow to try to see if that fixes the issues. Are you running a tune? If not you will have Cat efficiency codes thrown as well but either the Procede or JB3/4 will clear it.

[2jzn54]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the responses. Its at least comforting to hear that the problems I'm having are most likely related to a very simple fix.

vereak82 - Sounds like this is the problem I'm having.. Hopefully at least...

As I said I rolled the car off the ramps and I'm going to kick myself for a while for this one probably... Is it safe to drive the car up ramps with such a violent idle? (Haven't moved the car from its spot since I started the install)


BMW1986 - Running the JB4. Will clear after I fix the sensor issue.

[2jzn54]

Probably need to pick up an additional O2 Sensor asap as well. Anyone care to share their experiences running without a rear sensor? (right pipe facing diagonally up and to the right of the car)

[RoundelM3]

I'd recommend removing the downpipe with the stripped bung and taking it to a machine shop to have a "helicoil" installed in the bung. It fixes the "stripped" condition so you can re-install the O2 sensor. Either that, or ask the downpipe manufacturer if they could send you another one for whatever fee they'd charge for an exchange. That would be a much better solution than trying to trick the ECU into "ignoring" the fact that it's missing a sensor.

[2jzn54]

The bung is fine on the AR DPs. One of the bungs on the factory DPs was my issue. That one is slightly messed up at the top and the sensor itself is the one with the stripped threading...

[2jzn54]

My biggest concern I should point out is whether or not I can drive the car back up the ramps (is it not safe to do so with the rough idle?).

Provided that I just need to swap the sensors location by the turbos, I'd prefer to get this up the ramps and just do it, but I didn't feel comfortable doing so yesterday with the very rough idle...

Can't wait to feel better about this... Such a daunting little task and terrible feeling! Hopefully this evening will be a celebration.

[vereak82]

i actually drove my car like that 4-miles from the Dealership i work at home then back the next day to correct the o2's did you set auto clearing as well?

[2jzn54]

Wow, I was crapping myself on the ramps and turning off the car as soon as the rough idle kicked in haha. Guess I shouldn't be freaking out so much.

Don't remember if I have autoclear on or disabled at the moment. Will check after work.

[BerkTechnology]

Just driving the car back up on the ramps is fine. The front O2's are the ones that are critical, having a broken O2 at the rear is not really a big deal.

As far as fixing your stripped threads on the sensor body. You can try to use a die to cut some new threads. Otherwise you'll just have to get a new sensor if the threads are damaged that much. You only need to cut the new threads enough to get good enough torque to let the sensor seal against the bung. You don't need to go nuts on the torque. Good luck!

[2jzn54]

Update: Switched the sensors after work.. Went for a spin after... Very relieved. Thanks again for answering all my silly nitty gritty questions.

BerkTechnology: I'll definitely try this asap.

[vereak82]

NO Question is silly just silly answers lol jk.. good to hear i notcied after the latest firmware update map-2 on the jB4 feels stronger! what map are you running now??

[2jzn54]

Oh awesomeee. Looking forward to it Would be running 2 all day, but I still need to figure out a solution for that empty o2 bung before moving onto map 2... Also have a HPF FMIC coming my way.. should be here early next week

Hopefully a machine shop around here will be able to help me out with the thread, but I would assume since it is already stripped pretty nicely that I won't be able to salvage the sensor.. Fingers crossed though.

Pretty damn loud with that empty bung though!

[ChuckD05]

how rough of an idle was it when the o2s were switched... i am thinking mine may be switched...

To confirm my assumption, does the grey wire coverd o2 match with the grey wired 02 on the bottom? If so, mine are switched... but my idle isnt terribly bad right away, nor does it run that bad alll the time.. takes until i get on her a little bit and than starts throwing a variety of codes

[Noelpolar]

On my car the front and back o2s on each pipe have the same color sleeve.....

[2jzn54]

Originally Posted by ChuckD05

how rough of an idle was it when the o2s were switched... i am thinking mine may be switched...

To confirm my assumption, does the grey wire coverd o2 match with the grey wired 02 on the bottom? If so, mine are switched... but my idle isnt terribly bad right away, nor does it run that bad alll the time.. takes until i get on her a little bit and than starts throwing a variety of codes

The idle was pretty rough. I switched the sensors a few weeks back and never actually drove the car (only rolled it down the ramps and back up). There was a noticeable amount of constant movement in the shifter.

I will be getting under the car again today to install one of the rear O2 sensors. Are you asking about the front and rear sensors matching on each pipe? Or are you asking about the actual wiring and the connecting part of the o2 sensor going into the DP at the front only? Let me know. I'd be happy to help and snap a few pictures for you to help clarify further.

Also remember that the DP do end up crossing so that may have thrown you off. I know its what caused the issue for me and my friend.

[2jzn54]

Originally Posted by Noelpolar

On my car the front and back o2s on each pipe have the same color sleeve.....

Chuck if this is what you are asking. I do believe this was the case for me as well. Can confirm when I actually get under the car again tonight.