S&S Cycle Inc., a company that specializes in motorcycle performance parts, has developed engines that comply with the emission standards set for the different countries worldwide. In compliance with these standards, particularly the ones set in the European market, the company has stated that they will soon be releasing an engine for the 2002-2006 Harley Davidson motorcycles based on their approved TUV closed-loop fuel-injected T-Series EURO III engine program.

Dubbed the “S T124”, the engine developed by S&S Cycle Inc is designed to meet the EURO III noise and exhaust emission standards, which is part of the European Union directives. To comply with these emission standards, the S T124 engine will have the following components installed in it: a S VFI system, a closed-loop air/fuel ratio control, a single bore throttle body, and a teardrop air cleaner. Aside from these components, the S T124 engine will also carry standard TUV documentation in every package. The all-new S T124 engine will come in different types of finishes such as natural, back and polished finishes. Also, as part of the requirement set by the EURO III emission standards, the installation of the S T124 engine will require oxygen sensors to be attached to each of the bike’s stock header pipes. Aside from the use of the oxygen sensors, 2007 stock mufflers will also have to be installed with the S T124 engine.

Based on reports, S&S Cycle Inc. will be releasing the S T124 engines in Europe, with March being their target release date for their new engine.

Sources: Clutch and Chrome, S&S Cycle Inc., Wikipedia

Have you ever been afflicted by the DIY disease, one of the most common and notorious diseases around? Before you start to panic and check the newspaper for any news if there has been any widespread contamination in your area or medical manuals for any type of cure, relax. DIY stands for Do-It-Yourself and the symptom that manifests from an “infected” person is that he or she just wants to do things on their own. It’s actually not as fatal as you think, but of course, it depends largely on what you want to do by yourself (if it involves disarming a bomb, that counts as fatal. Leave the bomb alone and run). Simple car repairs like changing your car’s tires or changing your oil or putting gas in your car can actually fall under the DIY category of car maintenance. However, if it involves changing an intricate part of your car’s engine, let’s say your car’s oxygen sensor, it would be best to leave it to the professionals. Here’s why.

To replace a vehicle’s oxygen sensor, auto shops make use of a ramp or a jack stand which is used to elevate the vehicle in order for their mechanics to see the section underneath the car. They then make use of a special wrench and a torch with a temperature greater than that of the sun to remove the auto part. Both specialized equipments are needed since the sensor is screwed into the exhaust pipe and these tools allow the mechanics to loosen the sensor before removing it. Extra care is needed in removing and replacing the oxygen sensor since it could destroy the car’s engine computer or disrupt the valve train in the event that it’s accidentally shorted out. Also, most vehicles have two oxygen sensors, an upstream and a downstream sensor. So before removing a faulty one, the mechanic handling the repair determines first which between the two sensors is the one malfunctioning.

That in a nutshell is how an oxygen sensor is replaced. Given the complexity of replacing one and the specialized equipment needed, if you have no experience in replacing an oxygen sensor then you’d be better off paying a professional to do it for you. There’s no sense in going through the hassle of “doing it yourself” if you’ll end up wreaking more havoc to your car.

Source: Wicked Local

Oxygen sensors have played and are still continuing to play an indispensable role in a vehicle. It would be good to know more about them. Did you know that there are different types of oxygen sensors? Below are five types which would definitely expand your knowledge about the way a car works.

1. unheated thimble
This was introduced by Bosh back in 1976. The main purpose was for the feedback regarding fuel control where automotive engines are concerned. “The zirconia ceramic ‘thimble’ is encased in a protective tube which extends into the exhaust manifold. Slots in the protective tube allow hot exhaust gases to reach the thimble. Reference outside air for the interior of the thimble comes from a hole in the sensor shell, or through the wiring connector.” Relying on the heat of the exhaust gases to be able to arrive at the operating temperature, the unheated oxygen sensors might cool off during the time the engine is idle. Then it will go back to the set air/fuel ratio setting. This kind of sensor usually comes with one wire connector although some may have two of those.

2. heated thimble
It was introduced in 1982 by Bosch, a heater element was added to this certain type of oxygen sensor. This made it possible for the sensor to achieve an operating temp. within 30-60 seconds instead of waiting to be heated by exhaust gases. Its heater has a separate electric circuit. You would be able to tell apart this type of oxygen sensor from the others because it has three or four wire connectors.

3. heated titania
This was introduced in 1982 by Bosch, a heater element was added to this certain type of oxygen sensor. This made it possible for the sensor to achieve an operating temp. within 30-60 seconds instead of waiting to be heated by exhaust gases. Its heater has a separate electric circuit. You would be able to tell apart this type of oxygen sensor from the others because it has three or four wire connectors.

4. heated planar
This type of sensor was brought in last 1997 by Bosch. There are various materials this oxygen sensor used, such as electrodes, heater, insulation, and a laminated flat strip of conductive ceramic. It is harder to contaminate and is more compact and delicate. It brings the temperature needed in ten seconds by the heater, which expends a smaller amount of electricity.

5. heated wide-band
This type is taken from the planar design, with Bosch adding the capability to gauge the air/fuel ratio. As opposed to the back-and-forth method of the other oxygen sensors, the wide-band oxygen sensor would be able to produce a signal which is directly proportional to the ratio of the air/fuel. Being able to give precise measurements, this type of sensor makes it possible to add or subtract fuel as needed.

source: protoworks.com