Save your O2 sensors...

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Not a welding project, but could be part of one.Just replaced the upstream sensor on the wife's car and remembered that the modern ones are all heated (4 wires is heated).We've had a lot of threads in the past about home built rod ovens so I decided to see how much heat this thing puts out. I ohmed out the heater wires and got 4 ohms. So 12 / 4 = 3 amps. 12 x 3 = 36 watts.Hooked it to my battery charger and kept my hand on it. Took a few moments but it started to warm up and then got nice and toasty. To the point I couldn't touch it for more than half a second. Should be plenty of heat to keep a small rod canister warm and dry..So, if you are replacing your 4 wire O2 sensor and want a nice little heater, don't toss it. The heater part isn't usually what fails anyway.This is just a suggestion for someone wanting to build their own with parts on hand. The usual question is what to use for heat and I thought this might fit the bill.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:I'm pretty sure my WB02 gets up to 100 degrees for preheat.  Not sure about the NB02's  but that's a good idea!JoeMiller 140 Autoset (2010)Miller Syncrowave 250 (1996)
Reply:Not sure about the heated narrow band sensors, but the modern cars wideband sensors have an elaborate control circuit to get the heaters to the right temperature.  You might find that hooking to 12v continuously burns it out pretty quickly.miller syncrowave 250hobart handler 140home made 400 amp engine driven in progress...
Reply:100 watt light bulb would put out more heat and be easier and cheaper to replace, worked in easy bake ovens for the last 50 years, just build a cage to protect the bulb. I like the $0.50 bulb over a $60 sensor anyday especially with replacements everywhere.Good idea though
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmangq100 watt light bulb would put out more heat and be easier and cheaper to replace, worked in easy bake ovens for the last 50 years, just build a cage to protect the bulb. I like the $0.50 bulb over a $60 sensor anyday especially with replacements everywhere.Good idea though
Reply:Originally Posted by ironmangq100 watt light bulb would put out more heat and be easier and cheaper to replace, worked in easy bake ovens for the last 50 years, just build a cage to protect the bulb. I like the $0.50 bulb over a $60 sensor anyday especially with replacements everywhere.Good idea though
Reply:use more than one lightbulb if a single 100 watt bulb seems to be hard to find. Use a regular dimmer to adjust the heat.miller syncrowave 250hobart handler 140home made 400 amp engine driven in progress...