AEM replacement sensor?

[MNwe4]

I currently have the AEM gauge type wideband unit and replaced the sensor a few years back. While I remember some discussion on the topic of if it's necessary to purchase the Bosch sensor labeled as AEM 30-2001 or if there is some other Bosch part number that is cheaper, I can't remember what the consensus was or what I purchased.

If there is an alternate to AEM's marked up sensor can someone please fill me in or is there some special calibration that AEM does to the sensors making them worth the higher price?

 

[EricM]

Should be a Bosch 17205 sensor. There is nothing special about the sensor.

 

[MNwe4]

Thanks Eric, after a little more digging I also found a lot of people saying that the 17018 is interchangeable with the 17205. A quick look on Summit shows a large price difference, with the 17018 being cheaper by $40. They appear to have the same connector, but the tip of the sensor is clearly different. Oh, and the one from AEM is priced exactly in the middle with a picture matching the 17205. This has me wondering if one is more accurate and/or durable. Do you know what the difference may be or have you ever tried a 17018?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-17205

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bch-17018

http://www.aemelectronics.com/wideband-uego-replacement-sensor-635

Also, any suggestions on what to look for as one of these sensors begins to go bad? After driving the other night with the car in the garage for a few minutes I had the key on, engine off while I was working on some other things. The gauge sat around 14.8 when it would usually read full lean after a brief moment. However last night, after sitting for two days, I keyed it on and it climbed to full lean within probably 10 seconds like I would expect as the sensor heats up. My concern is that the computer would not make the correct adjustments based on WB tracking under WOT conditions.

 

[EricM]

I've never tried the 17018, but it may be fine.
When a sensor starts to go bad, they typically want to stay closer to stoich (14.7).
If you drove the car, there is still some fumes in the downpipe, and it won't read full lean.

 

[MNwe4]

tested my sensor

Per a previous video by AEM on youtube which has now been removed, but replicated by other people I tested my sensor in the following manner:

1) Removed it from downpipe and let in hang in free air.
2) Key on, no start, and as the sensor warms up it should go full lean and stay there.
3) Got a rag damp (not soaked) with gasoline and wrapped it around the sensor. Not sure how much of a fire hazard this is, so keep a close eye on things. The sensor will be hot.
4) Depending on the amount of fuel on the rag it may go slow or fast, but should hit full rich.
5) If the sensor is good it will remain on full rich. If the sensor is bad it will reach full rich, but then bounce back to full lean. This is what videos have shown, but I haven't witnessed it personally as my sensor stayed full rich.

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onbjzEOZtMs

As Eric mentioned, many other forums also comment that if the gauge hangs around 14.8 there is an issue somewhere.

Thanks for the advice.