Header with check engine light

[SilverOne]

I just had my comptech header put in this afternoon, on the way home, after about 15 minutes of driving, my check engine light came on when i went from 4th into 5th at roughly 5k rpm.

I let the car sat for few hours, just took the car out, drove it around for 10 min, and redlined 1st, 2nd, light didn't come back.

Should I be concerned? Also, I noticed at 3k rpm, with constant gas pressure, the car felt like someone gave it a sudden push from behind, is that normal for others with comptech headers?

I have a 91 with 40k miles. all stock except the headers.

 

[D'Ecosse]

You should pull the codes to check the source to be sure http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/DIY/trouble_codes.htm
Since it occurred immediately after the header install, I would suspect one (or both) of the O2 sensors may have been contaminated (with a release agent?) when it was removed. You want to be sure it isn't permanent as it will screw up yur mixture if it is.
Check your plugs to see how they look for some visual indication of mixture issues. http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spark_plugs/faq/faqread2.asp

 

[SilverOne]

I called the shop that did the install, they said it might be the front O2 sensor, and that it may have oil in the header. Once it burns off, then it's fine. Nothing to worry about.

I am not sure what that means, do I need to bring it back to the shop to have the O2 sensor cleaned?



[This message has been edited by SilverOne (edited 17 January 2003).]

 

[D'Ecosse]

Originally posted by SilverOne:
I called the shop that did the install, they said it might be the front O2 sensor, and that it may have oil in the header. Once it burns off, then it's fine. Nothing to worry about.

Big question is how did oil get into the header & why would they already know it was the front sensor???

I am not sure what that means, do I need to bring it back to the shop to have the O2 sensor cleaned?

I don't know how successful cleaning one would be - any solvents may end up causing more harm than good.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/oxygen_sensors/faqO2.asp
Also, see here for reference - Q2 bullet 3 may explain your surging problem that you are experiencing also.

 

[kpond]

D'Ecosse is right, I believe. I had the same "problem" right after I installed my headers. Check engine light came on but after driving and a re-start - never a problem again.

So, SilverOne, I think all is well... although I would recommend that you check the code just to make sure that it was, in fact, your O2.

 

[SilverOne]

When I talked to the shop earlier in the day during the install, the guy mentioned that the front o2 sensor was REALLY tight during removal. Is it possible that it was damaged during the install? is this something the shop should repair, being that it was fine before the header install?

reading the site d'ecosse gave kind of scared me. I am really not handy, does dealer charge $$ for just pulling the engine code out?

btw, is oil NOT supposed to be inside header? let's say alittle get into it during the install, does it burn off?

[This message has been edited by SilverOne (edited 18 January 2003).]

 

[coolnsx]

Are you going to be able to partake in the drive tomorrow? Hope to see you there.

 

[kpond]

SilverOne,

I had to drown my O2 in WD-40 (before I knew any better) to get it out. I managed to get the manifold off with the O2 still in it... and then did the drowning thing and finally got it out. I called Randy at RM a few minutes later for something else and he said, "oh, by the way, make sure you don't get any oil on the O2!" Great.

So, my view is that it is possible that you might expose the O2 to some "contaminates" during removal. (NOT recommended.) However, these will burn off pretty quickly as exhaust temperatures go up.

If your O2 has been damaged, your ECU is going to let you know via the check engine light. IMO, it is HIGHLY unlikely that O2 could be damaged but off in "calibration".

Stop worrying. sheesh, first-time parents

 

[NSX 3.0]

Originally posted by SilverOne:
When I talked to the shop earlier in the day during the install, the guy mentioned that the front o2 sensor was REALLY tight during removal. Is it possible that it was damaged during the install? is this something the shop should repair, being that it was fine before the header install?

When I took mine in for the Header install I was right there at the shop the Tech came out and said my O2 sensor was really froze. Being a 91 and 12 years old I just said give me two new sensors and have never had a problem since.


reading the site d'ecosse gave kind of scared me. I am really not handy, does dealer charge $$ for just pulling the engine code out?

btw, is oil NOT supposed to be inside header? let's say alittle get into it during the install, does it burn off?

[This message has been edited by SilverOne (edited 18 January 2003).]

Steven 91 Blk/Ivory