So ol' Whitey overheated. A friend borrowed it this weekend so I don't know all the details.

 

Here is what I do know. Drove for 6 miles. At the end of the drive the fluid released and the radiator steamed for about 4-5 minutes. I turned the heat on and cold air came out. I had to get back home so I killed the engine a few times and let it roll. Also stopped once to let it cool down to avoid blowing up again.

 

I plugged it in when I got home. PO130 - oxygen sensor.

 

My questions:

 

1. Did overheating cause the o2 failure?

2. Is my thermostat the culprit? It looks like all hoses are intact.

3. Autozone lists sensor before the cat. converter and after. I searched the board and am thinking I need to replace the front one? It lists for $116, but they also have another that is $58, but doesn't say front or rear? The cheaper one says 'universal' while the others are 'oem'.

 

Thanks in advance for your help, Pete

 

Ol' Whitey is a 96 2.2, 5sp and recently had knock sensor and speed sensor replaced. I am on sensory overload!

Ignore the oxygen sensor, don't even think about it for right now, it's benign. It's not going to cause any problems and is cheap. Your overheating is going to cost you an engine if you don't take care of it pronto. Driving it like you did is bad for all sorts of things, the oil, internal components, sensors, gaskets, seals, etc. Change your oil soon.

 

Thermostat - use Subaru only, the aftermarkets are visibly cheaper and can cause issues.

 

Your radiator could be plugged or the radiator cap might just not be sealing well.

 

Get that overheating under control then worry about the O2 sensor.

Get that overheating under control then worry about the O2 sensor.

X2

 

Have the system pressure tested to check for leaks. Get a new thermostat and a new radiator cap. Refill and bleed the system.