How to test R1100RT O2 sensor !

[happy wanderer]

Rather than hijack WalkingEagle's valve lash thread which has swerved into other issues affecting surge on 1100 engines I thought I would ask this question here in another thread instead.

It seems like all R259 engine performance threads lead into the dreaded surge one way or another. There is this "mystery" stalking every aspect of tuning it seems.
Anyway, I'm still trying to get mine to quit surging and eliminating issues with the ignition system and inputs to the Motronic are on the menu this weekend.

On that note, can anyone tell me if there is a simple way to test your O2 sensor and make sure it is functioning properly?

A lot of reading and searching here leads me to believe some folks have seen day and night change in their bikes by replacing the O2 sensor but how they found it to be faulty is another question. Can't seem to find specifics and the factory manual shows how to install and remove but no test details or specs.

 

[mpmarty]

Gs-911

 

[happy wanderer]

Gs-911

Aintsa gotsa no GS 911.

 

[Ken F]

From working on our two Audi's, (which also use Bosch O2 sensors) I've never heard of a way of bench testing them.
They are really not all that expensive if you look on ebay, amazon, ect.

Ken

 

[pauls1150]

Not to be facetious, but just put "O2 sensor test" into Google's search.

They can get loaded up with residue (bad fuel or additives), or just fail suddenly 'cuz it's an electro-mechanical device.

I've encountered quite a few parts replacers who were more willing to R&R it than to actually troubleshoot a symptom.

 

[mpmarty]

Aintsa gotsa no GS 911.

Perhaps one of your club members has one and would be willing to assist.

 

[Daedalus214]

Just a guess

We work with all types of instrumentation such as flow, temperature, pressure, pH and, for the most part, when these items fail (especially thermocouples), they either fail high or low on their range and stay at that point. Probably the full range of this O2 sensor is 0 to 1 volt (at least that was true for the GMC one we used at work for a test rig for process control) , but the Motronic only reads from 0.1 to 0.9 volts (or the sensor is scaled from 0.1 to 0.9).

The Motronic will read from 0.1 to 0.9 and that shows the O2 sensor is in the correct operating range, if it slips below 0.1 or above 0.9 then that is an out-of-range alarm point. The Motronic will record that and when the bike is hooked up to a diagnostic test unit, that error code will show up.

Your problem is that unless you know for certain what the scale and range of the unit is, and how it is supposed to fail, you'll just be guessing. Also, you might have to get the bike up to operating temperature for the O2 sensor to work. Some of these sensors are only two wire (analog voltage signal) and only work correctly at high temp (500 oF or more). Newer ones have a third wire that is used to heat up the O2 probe to temperature before the engine is at operating temperature. This way the environmental controls (on cars) are operating almost from start-up.

Unless you have a decent electrical bench set up and are willing to use a butane torch to heat the probe, and monkey with this sensor, you'll be hard pressed to correctly figure it out.

If you are that concerned, go out for some halibut and a beer, and afterwards buy the new sensor and install it. Life is good again.

 

[happy wanderer]

Thank everyone.

It was just a curiosity based question and I have googled it and watched guys testing them with ummm O2 sensor testers.

I understand the concept of the sensor and my background is in electronics. I thought maybe this was a "Stick your voltmeter probes here and you should see this. If you don't it's bad and go get one." type of a deal. Making a test jig for this would not be easy since you need voltage to heat up the coil and circuitry and display to measure the sensor output. Probably cheaper to just buy a new one!

The GS911 suggestion is a good idea. I know someone who has one and will try to arrange a plug in session just to see what might be happening if anything.

Thanks for all the responses. I come here to get educated and benefit from the collective knowledge all you guys have and it works!

 

[Walking Eagle]

Another THANKS

. . .for showing me just how little I know about motorcycles!

You guys are SCARY smart, and posts like this are fun to read, and are . . .

HUMBLING.

Walking Eagle