Is my O2 sensor bad??

[tsi1991awd]

Not sure what to make of this. Pulled the O2 housing and downpipe today to change out the gasket, and this is what my O2 sensor looks like....normal??

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[98GSt_4life]

looks to me like your running to lean. but the easiest way to check if its working correctly is with a logger or scan tool.

 

[lacroixdp]

Looks like a pretty aged NTK O2 sensor, which is OEM. I replace them every 60K miles - yours looks like it may be original. Instead of NTK, I'd recommend a Denso unit from http://www.oxygensensors.com/catalog.php?&pkey=1205581

 

[tsi1991awd]

It is an NTK because it says so on the side. It was the same one on the car when I bought it 10k miles ago and I have no clue when it was replaced, if ever.

I have since switched to a PR O2 dump and 3 inch DP....I dont know how I can be lean because I smell the fuel all the time but it could be because I am running open downpipe.

I have emissions coming up...if I dont pass I will just have them change out the O2 (since I have to spend at least $150 toward fixing it to get a waiver)

 

[my dreamt dsm]

I did this thread for future references! Check and see if this helps!
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/334225-testing-o2-sensor.html

Be a good boy and get back to us on the results!

 

[Defiant]

No, you can't diagnose an O2 sensor over the internaweb by looking at pictures. Besides, you've left the plug out of the pic, so we can't use a VOM on the screen, either.