1995 Volvo 850S Base / GLT 2.4L is giving a code P0137, or "Oxygen Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2". And besides the engine check light or the bright red exclamation with the PO137 on the OBDII scanner, it has seems to suffer a bit of COPD when idling. I’m checking the millage next gas up but so far seems about the same as it has always been. The math may say different then the 19-24mpg I expect.
My technicians have seen the car and say I can keep driving it despite that PO137 code with evil red stop sign with exclamation point inside.
The techs say the sensors are stuck in the catalytic converter and it will be an “arts’n’crafts” project to remove then rebore an attachment spot or plug for the sensors. These parts are undoubtedly original so 27 years gunked up.
Has anyone ever done that to an old catalytic converter? Is the original cat worth saving rather then replacing? Considering the age of the car, how much should it be to get a replacement catalytic converter? They seem to range from $900 and up or $300 and down.
The techs say everything else is sound in exhaust system but the o2 sensor.
Just curious if anyone might have a experience or a suggestion.

 

If you don't need to pass an emission inspection - on a car that old where it must be so rusty/corroded the O2 sensors are not going to come out easily - I would drive the car, and ignore, tape over, or remove the light bulb. Save your funds for food. clothing, shelter, the next car, etc.

 

That pretty much sums it up! I hope to keep it on the road, considering it's a Volvo and only 120K. But that adage of high miles may not refer to the 850 that was only made a handful of years. A brick would have at least 100K to add to that 120K.
Thanks so much! I call this question answered!!!

 

I actually had to do that on an old Audi 4000. I removed the cat from the car to work on removing the sensor from a bench. When I went to wrench off the sensor I broke off the top half - which actually allowed me to drill the part out. I tapped and used a helicoil to insert the new sensor.

 

Sounds about like the techs said....not enthusiastically, but that it could be done.
Glad to hear others like arts'n' crafts!