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Silly Question

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by ScuderiaRossa, May 19, 2004.

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  1. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    Mar 22, 2001
    2,230
    #1 ScuderiaRossa, May 19, 2004
    Silly, but here it goes: Do exhaust parts like the oxygen sensor, thermocouple, and cat have a "shelf life?"
     
  2. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Outside Detroit
    Full Name:
    Don the 16th
    #2 don_xvi, May 19, 2004
    Don't ask silly questions! There's an off topic forum for that!
    (There's your silly answer)

    You know what? This is actually a good question!
    I don't know of any limits in a practical sense, and haven't been able to find anything relevant online! Thermocouples and O2 sensors operate based on Galvanic corrosion, essentially, but I can tell you that in years of working with both products, I've never heard of or experienced storage life issues. Theoretically, both should have a shelf life, but I think it would be far longer than we're concerned about--note that automotive O2 sensors are not shipped sealed as are some industrial variants which, I believe, use different chemistry. Those parts can sit on the shelf at the Pep Boyz for a long time and Bosch doesn't seem too concerned about it.
    From what I know about catalysts (and they are TRULY a black art, you have to be a real expert to fully understand their chemistry), I don't think they'll have any storage issues, either.

    This is actually a very interesting area that I've never thought about; I may ask around some and if I find anything out, I'll post!
     
  3. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,741
    #3 Mitch Alsup, May 19, 2004
    Does a shelf life of more than 100 years qualify as shelf life?
     
  4. speedball

    speedball Formula Junior

    Mar 29, 2004
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    Pasadena Area
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    Scot Anderson
    #4 speedball, May 19, 2004
    Only if your timing belts last that long.......
     
  5. ScuderiaRossa

    ScuderiaRossa Formula 3
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    Mar 22, 2001
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    #5 ScuderiaRossa, May 19, 2004
    I may want to reinstall the original exahust on my car at some point in the future, and was just wondering about the "expiration" date of some of these components.

    100 years would do just fine!
     
  6. redjeeper

    redjeeper Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    282
    Flowood, MS
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    Anthony Griffin
    #6 redjeeper, May 19, 2004
    Rust or corrosion would be the only things that I can think of that would have any bearing on this. If the parts are not in use, they should last indefinitely.
     

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