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

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

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

Three of the six-cylinder engines were improved, offering more efficient acceleration with remarkable engine speed adjustment. The previous series include tough parts and with the improvement made by Mercedes engineers, the V6 even provide better output as well as improved torque. Also, in ML 500’s eight-cylinder engine, an additional 10 kW/14 horsepower is produced. The highest possible torque of V8, on the other hand, was boosted to 20 – 40 Newton meters.

When it comes to the M-Class emission system, the vehicles follow two stages. The phases are based on the stringent measures for engine function that facilitate the lessening of raw emissions and the effective emission control by means of two catalytic converters. In addition to this, two oxygen sensors are installed with the parts, that is, the diagnostic sensor and the control sensor that have linear control. With the equipped oxygen sensor, there is an easy connection about the components of the exhaust gas. This is because once the vehicle starts, the sensors are directly activated. The needed information for the engine management system is then sent to facilitate in the warm-up stage.

For further details, visit benzs site.

According to the report, the city of Denver, Colorado is planning to use RapidScreen vans to spot polluters. The action is said to be part of Denver’s strategy to reduce air pollution in its metropolitan area. The step is also in line with the city’s plan to pass federal air quality standards which the region failed last summer.

The RapidScreen vans, originally intended to identify “low pollutants,” will fire an ultra violet and infrared light beam past your car’s tailpipe. The lights will measure for absorption of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. The vans will be stationed in different areas around the metro and will record the plate number of violators. The city would then send letters to the violators requiring them to undergo free emission test. 

Faulty parts that commonly cause air pollution are oxidation catalysts, spark plugs and wires and oxygen sensors. According to the Denver Post carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emission in the city was reduced to 80%. The DP also claims that around 500 cars were repaired for free due to federal budget backing.

Car owners who violate the program will be fined for $100 and will not be entertained for registration renewal. Denver drivers still have a chance to fix their car’s emission problems since the program will start by January 1 next year.

Rich White, the executive director of an online organization that gives advice on automotive maintenance, has given five preventive maintenance steps on how one can achieve a “greener car” that is friendly to the environment.

The first and the most important step is to keep one’s car properly tuned. This will enable the car to perform well for a well-tuned engine has the capacity to promote fuel economy. Aside from this, a well-tuned engine also produces the lowest level of emissions. The typical tune-up in the 21^st century includes the following system checks: battery, charging, starting, engine mechanical, powertrain control, fuel, ignition, and emissions. Having one’s car undergo regular tune-ups improve on gas mileage by around 4 percent and having to fix a serious maintenance problem, like a worn down oxygen sensor can improve on gas mileage by over 40 percent.

Not only does a properly tuned engine able to optimize gas consumption, it also helps one keep the planet livable. Maintaining a car in good condition does not only serve to benefit the car owner with a good running car but it also helps in having breathable air for generations to come.

The new SLR 722 GT received a supercharged AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine, capable of 500 kW / 680 PS and has a torque of 830 Newton meters. The vehicle also comes with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. For added performance, a mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent was integrated. The new SLR 722 GT boasts to easily get from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds. It can also reach the top speed of 315 km/h or about 196 mph.

The suspension system is well taken care of with new wheel location system, modified stabilizer at the front axle, adjustable wheel camber, and shock absorbers with variable compression. Meant for racing, the SLR 722 GT features wheels equipped with central locks for fast tire changing.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT won’t be complete without distinguishable exterior features, which include the front apron with front splitter, wide wings and prominent side skirts. Meanwhile, the large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler accent the rear as well as give an aerodynamic look and performance. Inside, more racing qualities are incorporated through the rollover cage, redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, racing steering wheel, bucket seats, and six-point seat belts for safety.

Expect that many will want the SLR 722 GT in their garage, but RML Group will only be producing 21 units and those who ordered are members of the SLR CLUB.

Source: http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=40731&Itemid=9

Engine burns fuels with the use of oxygen and there is a correct amount of air to fuel mixture depending on the amount of hydrogen and carbon in that fuel. If there is less air than needed in the correct ratio, the resulting mixture is considered rich – with left over fuel after combustion. Rich mixtures tend to create pollution because of the by-products. If there is more air than the intended ratio, the resulting mixture is considered lean since there is a surplus in oxygen. A lean mixture produces nitrogen oxide by-products and can be detrimental to the car’s engine and catalytic converters.

The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe to detect rich or lean mixtures. These components work by a chemical reaction that produces voltages. The Electronic Control Unit then interprets the signal voltages and adjusts the fuel to air ratio in the engine to the correct proportion. When the oxygen sensor fails either because of natural aging or pollutants that damage the sensor there would be an erroneous reading, poor car performance and increased fuel consumption.

The Milan-based event showcased the precision-engineered oxygen sensor that aids engines not only of automobiles but as well as other mode of transportation like motorbikes. Those automobiles equipped with the oxygen sensors are more likely to pass emission standards set by certain agencies. With this small but effective auto part, the vehicle’s power plant gets the right mixture of air and fuel inside it. The oxygen sensor analyzes the emission being produced by the engine and then the readings are transmitted to the engine management computer. From there, the necessary adjustments for the fuel and air ratio are done. What sets this Delphi oxygen sensor is that it is relatively smaller than the other makes that allows flexibility.

Getting the right mixture with the help of the Delphi oxygen sensor does not end there. With the right combination, the engine manages to burn fuel more efficiently, thus nothing is wasted. This will equal to the production of more horsepower. Moreover, the oxygen sensor also helps achieve an improved fuel economy.