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Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - Printable Version

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Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - scotia - 06-03-2015

I have been having some issues with poor engine running recently. I used the OBD II diagnostic tool and had P0116, P0132, P1327 & P0130 and have noticed recently that there were large soot deposits below the exhaust pipe when starting the engine so decided to give it a service. When changing the spark plugs I noticed that they were really black soot, checked the lambda sensor and it was the same. I replaced the plugs and have ordered a new lambda sensor as I'm sure it can't be reading properly but am reluctant to just replace the plugs and lambda without knowing why there's so much soot on them.
Firstly, any suggestions as to why there is so much soot and secondly if i replace the lambda sensor is it likely to reduce the soot and fix the engine juddering or could it be the cat?
Cheers


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - tucker - 06-03-2015

What engine and model is it?


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - scotia - 06-03-2015

(06-03-2015, 11:34 PM)tucker Wrote:  What engine and model is it?

Hey, sorry. Should have said. It's a 2005 1.4 petrol 


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - ddb - 07-03-2015

If it frequently gets short journeys the give it a blast down a motorway would be my first instinct.

Just use carb cleaner to clean your lambda sensor.

From the error codes it looks like the coolant temperature sensor may have gone (assuming your engine does get to normal temperature) so your engine is permanently running in cold (rich) mode.

Two of the other codes confirm the lambda may be detecting a very rich mixture.

This would account for tons of soot.

P0116 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem
P0132 O2 Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage
P1327 [random almost meaningless Citroen code]
P0130 02 Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Clear all the codes, go for a decent run and read the codes again just to make sure.

If you are lucky it might just need the connector cleaning on the coolant sensor.

But being a car it could be something else entirely Sad


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - scotia - 11-03-2015

Hey ddb. Thanks for the info. I replaced the Lambda sensor as I had ordered one any way, I also noticed when I had it out previously that it wasn't the correct fitting. It didn't actually screw in, just sat in the hole with a bespoke piece of metal holding it down (I bought it from a cowboy!). I've ordered a coolant temperature sensor but in the meantime I cleaned the sensor head and connector with electrical contact cleaner and cleaned up the new spark plugs as they were covered in soot already. It's now running like a dream! No more engine hesitation, once I gave the engine a good rev after replacing the lambda and cleaning the others the soot seems to be disappearing.
It has an LPG conversion that hasn't worked since I bought it and wondering if it could be related??
Thanks for the help.


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - tucker - 11-03-2015

Hi Scotia
I have a 1.6 petrol that also runs on LPG. A bit of soot on the plug threads is nothing unusual in my experience and I don't think the LPG will have any bearing on it.

LPG is a cleaner fuel and it might be worth exploring the kit you have to see if it's an easy fix. LPG cars allegedly last much longer than normal petrol run versions.

Any idea what make the LPG kit is?


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - scotia - 12-03-2015

[attachment=2141]
[attachment=2140 Wrote: tucker pid='72516' dateline='1426098864']Hi Scotia
I have a 1.6 petrol that also runs on LPG. A bit of soot on the plug threads is nothing unusual in my experience and I don't think the LPG will have any bearing on it.

LPG is a cleaner fuel and it might be worth exploring the kit you have to see if it's an easy fix. LPG cars allegedly last much longer than normal petrol run versions.

Any idea what make the LPG kit is?

Cheers tucker. I'm not too clued up on LPG but I'd love to learn more and get it fixed up. My local Asda are selling it for about 54p/litre! It's an Autogas Systems AG 600.001 that I have. It's never worked since I bought it and I took it apart recently and the gasket inside looked like it had seen better days. Tried looking for a kit for it but it was harder than I thought. 

Any suggestions?


RE: Soot on lambda sensor and spark plugs - tucker - 12-03-2015

That looks to be your vapouriser - the bit that changes the LPG from liquid to gas before it goes to the injectors.

I am no expert but I use a good LPG forum where you might be able to get some advice or in touch with a decent LPG specialist near to you. Its

http://www.lpgforum.co.uk/