[TxGreaseMonkey]

The satisfaction of knowing that you are happy!

[paulkramer]

Well, thanks again!

Here's where I almost bought it, even from this website it would have been a savings compared to dealership, but not nearly as good a deal as I wound up with.

Club RSX.com: NGK Secondary O2 Sensor

[TxGreaseMonkey]

The difference is HUGE!! The best quality for the best price (delivered to your door)--Merry Christmas.

[paulkramer]

Yes, it's a big difference indeed - but check this out, from an online Honda/Acura dealer:

HONDA PARTS UNLIMITED... YOUR SOURCE FOR OEM HONDA AND ACURA PARTS AND ACCESSORIES!!!

And I KNOW my local Honda dealer would charge > $300 for the part!

Thanks! Cluing me in about Rock Auto and Standard Auto Parts is a great Christmas gift indeed!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Yes, it's pretty scary. The only thing scarier would be the associated labor charge.

[paulkramer]

I hope my primary holds out - there is no such savings on the primary at Rock Auto - they want more for the primary than clubrsx, about $100 more!

Interesting...

[paulkramer]

Yes, it's pretty scary. The only thing scarier would be the associated labor charge.

Oh, yes, one member on clubrsx said he was quoted an hour or two labor for an O2 sensor replacement.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

At least with the internet, the choices are so much better than years ago. It all becomes a game. I've been fortunate to have been able to keep both of our cars going for very little--still, top performance and reliability. All part of the "game of life." "Buy it new, wear it out; make it do, do without."--Old New England saying.

[paulkramer]

Got it!

Looks just like OEM, but can't tell what brand it is. Made in Japan, has following markings:

Nearest the wires - "OHK:::563-H4, on one flange - "NTK:Japan, on the hexagonal/nut portion - "6F12".

NTK - sounds like a knock-off of NGK......

What's the verdict?

Would be nice if I could easily compare the markings to the original sensor that's on the car now.

So far, so good. I haven't taken the car anywhere, but I started it up to move it. Feels better than ever, probably just the "new part factor".

It looks identical to the replacement part, albeit with slightly different markings. The "OHK:::563-H4" is imprinted on both, the "NTK:Japan" is either not on the OEM part or worn beyond the point of being visible, and the "6F12" imprint on the hexagonal portion says "2F16" or "2F18" on the original part. Maybe that refers to a production batch.

Now that I've replaced that, I'm itching to replace the primary. It's not throwing any codes yet and my fuel mileage is still good. But I've replaced the entire exhaust system and if I could find a comparable deal on a primary I'd just replace it for good measure and know that the entire exhaust is fresh.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I like that feeling, too--where you know everything is new and as good as it gets.

[paulkramer]

Now I read somewhere that re-branded parts aren't always the correct part - that sometimes the cheapest part that fits - in this case, the cheapest Honda secondary sensor - is sold for multiple applications, including those that aren't absolutely correct.

Have you ever run into that situation?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I have NEVER had that problem. Like you concluded, the price differential was worth the slight risk. I doubt you will have any problems. Some people try to cast aspersions, in order to maintain profit margins.

Standard has been around for probably 60 years or more. By nature, I'm a bargain hunter and I believe you got a tremendous deal--accept and enjoy it. I buy car parts and lubricants that are often free after rebate. It makes me enjoy them more, not less. The challenge is to keep a car on the road for years, with like new performance and reliability, for very little money. That's what I have always been able to do. I shop for deals on everything.

[paulkramer]

Yeah, I know there are many possible motivations for spreading aspersions. They may only be misinformed, not even casting aspersions.

I'd just be more assured if the actual NGK part no. were stamped on the part!

Not even the part I removed has the part no. stamped anywhere on it.

Funny how the Standard primary is far from the least expensive primary available. Looks like the least expensive primary is ~ $180.

Amazon.com sells the Standard parts, along with the usual other brands - Denso, NGK, Beck-Arnley, Sng...

It's mind-boggling how these parts are distributed and priced!

Eh, time to think about something else for a while!

[paulkramer]

Oh, forgot to add - is there that much difference between the primary and the secondary to justify such a large price differential?

I know they're not exactly the same, but they both measure and compare oxygen levels...

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I don't know enough to say for sure, but I'm skeptical. It may have more to do with supply and demand. There's greater demand for primary sensors, so they can probably charge more.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

We don't have too much to complain about. Maintaining a car is so much easier and cheaper in this country versus Europe, for instance. In Europe, you won't find auto part stores. You have to go to the dealer for parts and they are very expensive. An ECM for a Civic might cost the equivalent of $2,400 in England versus $250 to $1,000 here.

[paulkramer]

I was thinking the same thing about the relative demand for the primary vs. secondary - I am surprised that I am replacing the secondary before replacing the primary!

Well, you are correct about the price differential USA vs. Europe - but, I complain anyway! In Europe, they have real mass transit. Here, I HAVE to have a car, even though my job is only two miles from my home! Seems a bit expensive to maintain a car for such little usage. Of course, I use it for more than just commuting, but that's the primary reason I have a car.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

The cost of buying and maintaining a car is so much less than in Europe. When I return from Europe, even Wal-Mart's automotive department looks great to me. It seems like everybody in Europe is trying to rip the next guy off, in order to get ahead. Virtually everything is way overpriced.

[paulkramer]

Well, out of curiosity, I went out and started the car with the scope attached.

Once it warmed up enough for the idle to reach normal (750) RPM, the O2 sensors basically flatlined at .6 V for the primary and .9 V for the secondary.

Aren't they supposed to switch back and forth between higher and lower voltages, and not remain constant?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Looks darn near perfect. Voltage will change slightly, based on demands. The new secondary solved the problem.