Cleaning a Lambda sensor?

[Offshorematt]

I sooted up my Lambda sensor the other day when turning over a newly fitted engine - a mechanic I spoke to said that intead of buying a new one, just to clean the old one. Now, I've read on other forums that this isn't possible but at the end of the day, it's only carbon deposits.

Basically, has anyone sucessfully done this, and with what solvent? I figure that Redex should be fine what with being Cat safe but thought I'd see if anyone had any other suggestions?

The cars only a winter smoker so I don't really want to spend fifty quid on a new sensor unless I have to...

Cheers

[GreenV8S]

Its a chemical sensor so I guess quite vulnerable to physical of chemical damage. Doesn't seem likely to me that they can be cleaned, but I guess you have nothing to lose by trying.

[deltaf]

Carburettor cleaner would probably be ok.

[Offshorematt]

Half an hour with a toothbrush and a bottle of Redex didn't accomplish anything. Worth a shot. Oh well, fifty quid it is then...

[eliot]

only just saw this thread, basicly dont put chemicals on it.
only thing i would think is a long drive, get it nice and hot, should burn deposits of it.
If its a narrow band (1 to 4 wires), then you can fit a universal one, which are cheaper than oem's.
try ebay, "oxygen sensor" or lambda.

[zzr1200]

Ford cleaned the sensors on my Mondeo, so it is possible.

Paul