My truck had been running very rich due to an air flow meter problem I have since corrected. It's running fine now, and after the test run I pulled the plugs to clean and they actually looked very good. I have some concern that my O2 sensor may have gotten coated or dirty.

1. Do you think this could be a problem?

2. Can it be cleaned if it is actually dirty?

3. Or should I just plan on replacing it? I believe it's the original, truck has 200+K miles...

If it's running fine it should be fine.
But it's not too expensive to replace.
Make sure you get a denso or NGK.
for best prices and good service, go to www.sparkplugs.com... my bud got one last week from them and said the customer service was fantastic.

Do you know if there is a difference between the universal and the oem style besides the $40.00?

OEM will plug right in and universal just has some wires on it.
Personally i would just get the plug and play.
But if you feel like busting out the truck's wiring diagram and cut+solder the new connections, it's up to you.
I'd just pay $40 for the *right* one, cause you know it's going to be perfect.

thanks...

I've always wondered about the affect that the extra wire connections my have on the signal from the O2 sensor for the cut and splice versions. I've seen some people use crimp connectors, rather than soldering the wires. Not knowing how sensitive the sensors are, I have always gone with the OEM style plug in versions.

I would never crimp outside connections because there is a bigger opportunity to get grime/debris/mud/etc in there.
Always solder and heat shrink.... stronger connection and weather tight... its also much cleaner/nice looking...

There shouldn't be "extra" connections. There may or may not be a shared ground wire.. The signal and ground wires are critical. Solder. Don't crimp. For $40 I'm doing it myself..

Which is always important [color:"blue"]under [/color]my trucks... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The Bosch universal one comes with this cool little kit whereby you "make" a connector, screw these little threaded pieces onto the end of the wires, the thread and crimp on as they go down, then teh two halves connect together. I did this on mine a few years ago... when I replaced my exhaust, some !@#$ PO has welded the o2 sensor into place.

Now... I have never felt like the a/f ratio was good after that, always been suspect of that sensor and connection. If I could, I'd go back and just get the one weth the OE connector. My paranoia has not been worth the $50 saved.