If it ran good at first, then started running like crap a few minutes later, I'd think more about a big exhaust or vacuum leak, or a bad O2 sensor. If it's the crank or cam sensor, it will run poorly right away.

Is there an SES light? What code is up?

good catch, Rick, I missed that about cleaning the O2 sensor. It's not supposed to get cleaned.

I think I used carb cleaner?

It had 5 codes with only 1 at time of scan causing the light to be on.

Im awaiting a call back when the guy is there/available to do another scan.

And thats what I thought about the cam and crank sensors... I did replace the crank sensor per advice here and on other forums (read about it) so I didnt need to do that ever again.

All I can say is if it is that magnet on the cam shaft sprocket missing Im going to be peeved!

It does?

Argh

I thought it only had one...

Now which one or both? argh.



I might just order the cheaper ones off Rock Auto then. Locally they are $53 each and we dont have that kind of money.

^^^

Ok,

Guy never called back, so hopefully I can have it rescanned tomorrow...

Local jokes want $53 for the 02 sensor.

Theres this baby on E Bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-BWD-UNIVERSAL-OXYGEN-SENSOR-1995-1999-BUICK-RIVIERA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem5acf44a1adQQitemZ390024438189QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Anyone ever use a universal one? Does it come with detailed wiring info?

Like I stated earlier were pretty broke. If i can skimp on this Im going to

If it's still drivable with the current O2 sensor, don't skimp. Your only asking for trouble with a universal one. Wait until you can get the correct one and a good brand name, preferably from your local auto parts store in case you have a failure. Bad one's out of the box are not uncommon.
It happened to me just recently and had to wait until I returned the bad one and then they mailed me a new one. about a week delay all total.
From now on I'll buy local sensors.
If you can get one local it might save you some aggravation.
I ran mine on the bad one for that week without any real bad side effects.
Just had to look at the CEL and a hesitation and surge issue.

problem with universals is often failing at the splice - you have to splice them to the system and they don't give you connectors or anything for that. Worse, the voltage/current from the sensor is not very much, and the connection is in a harsh environment. And sometimes the sensors are bad in the box anyway.

If you do use a universal, keep the connector off the old one, cut the wires about 3" to 5" from the sensor, and then crimp heatproof (nylon) spade or bullet connectors on the lines, then connect the old connector to the new sensor at the nylon connectors. The line will then be 3" or so longer than the OE rigging, so use a nylon tie to lash it to something so it does not flop around and cause the splice to get loose.

Albertj

BWD = Borg Warner is not bad at all in the realm of aftermaket electronics. If you go to the local store, they will almost certainly have a universal option like that too. Most of the big chains sell Bosch sensors with a 1 year warranty so that will cover any out-of-the-box defects at least. I would also get the O2 sensor socket (some stores have them for rent) and a can a PB blaster to make it easier.

It's ironic that I'm saying this, seeing as I work for an auto parts supply, but if you want to be really slick, buy it and carefully install it. If it doesn't fix the problem, clean it up real nice and return it saying you didn't need it. These are non-returnable if installed. So just make sure you don't install it.

I would only get a Delco or Denso O2 sensor. Don't get a Bosch, they are known for being problematic.