Lethargic BX

[loudel]

AHH-ah, dit - il en portugais, (comme disait mon vieux pere). Having done a quick wiki check, I think I can answer my own questions.
The O2 sensor seems quite intact, though that is not a real indication if it works correctly. With the help of another friend who inserted his probe up my tail pipe!! And analysed the exhaust gases to find that off throttle the mixture was lean (as would be expected) and accelerating it was running 'sweet' - no mixture anomalies, all within range. Suspect an old cat that is giving up the ghost with a little help from a slightly oily cylinder.
The octopus has been transformed by PO and the seats are quite clean, all a credit to him, and the dash is complete but the ignition barrel has suffered at some time though all is working now.
Lou

[loudel]

I have today retrieved from a "static display" car the O2 sensor and exhaust pipe. The sensor was covered with carbon crap.
What would be the most effective method of cleaning the sensor probe? Have also been advised, from a Pug405 mechanic, that the cat converter has a 'history' of its inner honeycombe collapsing and blocking the exhaust. Either change or ramrod it.
Cheers
Lou

[citronut]

i usually place the O2 sensor tip down into a small pot with carb cleaner, and leave it to soak over night, then blow it out with compressed air

regards malcolm

[loudel]

Lethargic no more! Have replaced the exhaust pipe/cat from the field static display car retrieved last sunday.
Also picked up 5 alu rims and shod yesterday. All the exhaust is now in place and took it for a spin. Does it go?
Like a rocket! What a change! I also cleaned the O2 sensor which was on it as it had a film of pale grey something so I brushed it off.
Still a couple of pinhole leaks to be patched up but otherwise quite driveable (noisewise).
Gratitude and appreciation to all who viewed/contributed.
Lou

[Tinkley]

Glad its Ok now. A neighbours Vauxhall 1.8 had this problem, the garage was chasing after the ECU but someone fortunately notice the Cat had clogged. It's a quiet slow thing and hard to pin down. Having not had a vehicle with a Cat fitted, I might have to watch out for this, sometime in the future.

[michaelr]

Lou dropped round to my place today and let me drive his newly revitalised BX. It does go well!

Looks good on the "new" alloys and tyres too:

[MULLEY]

Rare alloys

[Tim Leech]

All those lovely rust free cars!