The reasoning I've heard for not soldering the connection is that the O2 sensor supposedly draws reference air through space in the wire... but I've never seen/heard of any documentation that supports this assertion. (even if it is true, it's not as if you're soldering and forming an air-tight seal right at the sensor. You do it as far up the harness as possible, so air flow would not be a problem.)

For what it's worth, I soldered the connections on the O2 sensors on both of my cars, and they have worked flawlessly for years.

Rather than buying a universal O2 sensor, you can source one for a early 1990s Ford Mustang V8. It will be cheaper than a universal -- go figure.

However, you state that you have a 4-wire sensor. I believe this means you have a titania sensor (like is used in the Rex/Regina cars) as apposed to a zirconium sensor (which is the more common sensor)

To my knowledge, there is no "universal" titania sensors. Universal/zirconium sensors are commonly listed in error as fitting cars that require a titania sensor.

Just be careful to do your research before you buy.

Jeff Pierce



--
'93 945 Turbo (201K miles), '93 945 (140K miles/I maintain for a family member), '93 945 Turbo (sold w 145K miles), '92 Mercedes 190E (174K miles), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (225K miles), '53 Willys Overland w/ Fisher plow (sold to a loving home)