I don't think it is the cranck sensor beacuase of the rich running condition. That would be more likely to a miss or not start condition. I would check your injectors to see if there is any signs of fuel leakage around them. Injectors have been known to leak either internal from failing parts and/or the O-rings that seal them in.

Now for the gearheads.... could this be a problem with the TPS of MAF sensirs reading incorrectly?

A couple questions.......what did you gap your plugs to?

Have you ditched your Bosch O2 yet?

When are you going to get a scantool on that car? Replacing any further components other than the O2 is a pointless waste of time and money. Get codes, fix the real problem, then replace your cat.

I agree with your mechanic and DrJay. Any extended run in rich mode or serious misfires can clog your cat. It'll be a victim.

Wilwren,

The plugs I gapped at .060 per spec.
My understanding was that the Bosch issue was for plugs. I didn't realize that O2 sensors were taboo also. I've heard that there are only 2 co.* that actually manufacture O2 sensors for our cars. One of thr being Bosch, but hey, I'll try darn near anything!!

According to the shop, it isn't setting any codes.and I'm not up for buying a Scantool set-up for this application. It'* such a hybrid system. OBD1 system.......OBD2 connector......what were they thinkin?

Thanks, Mark

Bosch O2 sensors are the BIG problem. The problems we've had with their plugs is secondary. Many of us have not restored full performance with Bosch O2'*, and have had premature failures. Myself included.

Back to the original problem. Your plugs appear to be fuel fouled. All 6 fuel injectors won't fail in the same mode at the same time. If all 6 are fouled, discount any fuel injector problems.

This leaves a couple possibilities. Either the O2 is telling the system it'* lean, and demanding more fuel, or you have an ignition problem.

How much voltage is your alternator producing at idle, and during normal driving? If it'* normal, change the O2 sensor, (especially since we know it'll probably fail within a couple months anyway ), and we'll take it from there.

I'd still like to see a second opinion on codes though.

The voltage is in the normal range, although closer to the low side. Would a low voltage to the ECM affect closed loop?

Mark

I had installed an after market O2 sensor 6 m. ago (maybe bosch) and last month I got a SES. Read the code and it was indicating running lean. My new exhaust tubes were black and mileage was bad. After reading many posts here I replaced the O2 sensor last week with an OEM one. No more codes. Just for your info.

Could it be a bad fuel pressure regulator?

I do not know af any retail outlet that will take an O2 sensor back after it has been installed.

Tell them it failed prematurely, and threw a code.

That'* what mine did, and I got my money back. That was Autozone.

I will get a Fuel Pressure check tomorrow and report back.
Thanks for your posts, this is a real stumper!!