$5 fix

bbco · 10-18-2008, 06:49 PM

Hi, I have been searching in vain for an explanation of the $5 fix (mechanical) for the PO420 code that I have seen references to. Would someone be kind enough to point me in the right direction to it please?
Thanks

pleiad7 · 10-18-2008, 07:12 PM

Spark plug non-foulers will do the trick... available at your local auto parts store. Here's a how-to from the Evo forum: $5 o2 cheater/non fouler how-to - evolutionm.net

2.5x_sleeper · 10-18-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbco

Hi, I have been searching in vain for an explanation of the $5 fix (mechanical) for the PO420 code that I have seen references to. Would someone be kind enough to point me in the right direction to it please?
Thanks

A forum search for "sparkplug non-fouler" (with the quotes) will get you to this thread new Cats and O2 sensors

Bobby...

bbco · 10-19-2008, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the info. Do these sparkplug non-foulers come in various sizes/threads? If so, which size would I need?

2.5x_sleeper · 10-19-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbco

Thanks for the info. Do these sparkplug non-foulers come in various sizes/threads? If so, which size would I need?

Yes they come in different sizes. You want the 18mm, either the one with the gasket (crush washer) or the taper seat. If I had to do it over, I'd go with the tapered seat, since the crush washer is a PIA to seat (crush) correctly!

I attached what they look like in a package. The one pictured is the one that comes with crush washers. You should be able to find these at any auto parts store. If you read the info I linked you to, you know you'll have to drill one out with a 1/2" (13mm) drill bit. Start out with one, but you may need both. You only need to drill out one spacer, the one that the O2 sensor screws into. Don't forget to use anti-seize on the threads!

Good luck!:)

Bobby...

Peaty · 10-20-2008, 06:03 AM

Rear O2 Sensor mechanical fix for CEL code P0420 - ScoobyMods

bbco · 10-21-2008, 09:44 AM

Thanks once again. Since I reset my CEL a few days ago, all has been well so I'll look for the anti-foulers so that I am ready for the next occurence. I live in Alberta Canada so I expect they'll be available somewhere around.

bbco · 10-27-2008, 12:52 PM

Anyone know of Canadian companies that carry the anti-foulers? I looked all over town for them on Saturday.

2.5x_sleeper · 10-27-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbco

Anyone know of Canadian companies that carry the anti-foulers? I looked all over town for them on Saturday.

They can be found in most any auto parts store (NAPA, AutoZone, etc) where I live. You need to make sure you ask for a "Spark Plug Non-Fouler" & don't mention anything about CEL issues or using it to space out your O2 sensor. If you do, it will confuse the parts guy & they won't be able to find the part!

Bobby...

bbco · 10-27-2008, 06:59 PM

I'll look again. Do we have to buy O2 sensors from Subaru or are they a standard item like spark plugs etc?

2.5x_sleeper · 10-27-2008, 07:28 PM

^^

You can shop for them on the internet if you're not in a hurry. The front 02 sensor (A/F or Air/Fuel) is critical for correct engine operation, so that one I'd pay to get an OEM/factory part. The rear O2 sensor is just used to monitor the CAT, so you can shop around for deal if you need to replace it...:)

Bobby...

bbco · 10-28-2008, 09:46 AM

I notice a few rear O2 sensors on Ebay, various manufacturers. Anyone have any recommendations. It would be nice to have one with the correct connections on it I suppose. Soon I'll be on my back in the snow here :(

Peaty · 10-28-2008, 11:08 AM

2001 Subaru Forester Oxygen Sensor | Drivewire.com

2.5x_sleeper · 10-28-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbco

I notice a few rear O2 sensors on Ebay, various manufacturers. Anyone have any recommendations. It would be nice to have one with the correct connections on it I suppose. Soon I'll be on my back in the snow here :(

To tell you the truth, I bought both front & rear O2 sensors from my local dealership. Yes, it was more expensive, but I know it's made for my '03 & it will fit as well as work correctly...:)

Bobby...

bbco · 10-29-2008, 04:29 PM

For any other Albertans on here, I found the anti-foulers at NAPA. They didn't have 18mm ones in stock but have ordered them for me. Should have them tomorrow.
Bobby, I will probably also get mine from Subaru, at least the first time. :)

10-18-2008, 06:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	$5 fix Hi, I have been searching in vain for an explanation of the $5 fix (mechanical) for the PO420 code that I have seen references to. Would someone be kind enough to point me in the right direction to it please? Thanks

10-18-2008, 07:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
pleiad7 The Seventh Sister Administrator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North of the Bay Posts: 16,335 Gallery: 19 iTrader: 29 / 100%	Spark plug non-foulers will do the trick... available at your local auto parts store. Here's a how-to from the Evo forum: $5 o2 cheater/non fouler how-to - evolutionm.net __________________ -Silke 04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed" 98 Forester S ~ "Slynki" 92 SVX LS-L ~ x2

10-20-2008, 06:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
Peaty The Modfather Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lawrence, Kansas 04 MT F-XT Cobb Stage 2 & 06 B9 Tribeca Posts: 6,861 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 5 / 100%	Rear O2 Sensor mechanical fix for CEL code P0420 - ScoobyMods __________________ Peaty 04 -XT 06 B9 Tribeca & 99 Miata ScoobyMods peatpics

10-27-2008, 07:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
2.5x_sleeper Need more MODs! Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 6,773 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 22 / 100%	^^ You can shop for them on the internet if you're not in a hurry. The front 02 sensor (A/F or Air/Fuel) is critical for correct engine operation, so that one I'd pay to get an OEM/factory part. The rear O2 sensor is just used to monitor the CAT, so you can shop around for deal if you need to replace it...:) Bobby... __________________ 2007 FSXT WRB 4EAT COBB AP 2003 X PBP 4EAT +AVO turbo kit! (son's) 1995 Neon Sport

10-28-2008, 11:08 AM	#13 (permalink)
Peaty The Modfather Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lawrence, Kansas 04 MT F-XT Cobb Stage 2 & 06 B9 Tribeca Posts: 6,861 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 5 / 100%	2001 Subaru Forester Oxygen Sensor \| Drivewire.com __________________ Peaty 04 -XT 06 B9 Tribeca & 99 Miata ScoobyMods peatpics

10-19-2008, 09:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks for the info. Do these sparkplug non-foulers come in various sizes/threads? If so, which size would I need?

10-21-2008, 09:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks once again. Since I reset my CEL a few days ago, all has been well so I'll look for the anti-foulers so that I am ready for the next occurence. I live in Alberta Canada so I expect they'll be available somewhere around.

10-27-2008, 12:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Anyone know of Canadian companies that carry the anti-foulers? I looked all over town for them on Saturday.

10-27-2008, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I'll look again. Do we have to buy O2 sensors from Subaru or are they a standard item like spark plugs etc?

10-28-2008, 09:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I notice a few rear O2 sensors on Ebay, various manufacturers. Anyone have any recommendations. It would be nice to have one with the correct connections on it I suppose. Soon I'll be on my back in the snow here :(

10-29-2008, 04:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
bbco Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 48 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	For any other Albertans on here, I found the anti-foulers at NAPA. They didn't have 18mm ones in stock but have ordered them for me. Should have them tomorrow. Bobby, I will probably also get mine from Subaru, at least the first time. :)

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