I've used a LM-1 wideband controller for carb tuning. Like many others posting on Innovative's forum, I've experienced several oxygen sensor failures.

How long do the sensors live in fuel injection systems that use the wideband for normal operation?

I'm not positive on exactly how long, but I'm sure the VW Beatle turbo 1.8 goes quite a while between O2 failures. Surely at least 50k. Oil, silicone and lead will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
So in addition to the stuff going through your exhaust pipe, the level of smarts programmed into the wideband controller you are using can also effect their lifespan. They have a sensitive heater in them which will fail if abused. They also have a lot more going on inside than a traditional O2 sensor. Ion pump, Nerst cell and some other exotic stuff.
I've also heard that that you should always have the wideband turned on if the engine is running. having it unpluged or not powered up while the engine is running will foul it.

It varies obviously. Sold my LM-1 recently, and went through 1 sensor. Innovate suggests that you start the motor, then turn on the LM-1. Basically, they want you to turn the LM-1 on after the motor starts b/c if you turn the LM-1 on first, you risk having the hot sensor crack when condensation hits it.

But, I turn the LM-1 on first then IMMEDIATELY start the motor. I like a little heat in that thing before all that garbage hits it. Think it helps it last longer.

Not a bad idea to pull the sensor out when using RTV, even if the RTV is said to be sensor safe.

Condensation occurs before you turn on the sensor, not after. Most wideband sensors on the market are rated to meet minimum EPA standards. I haven't looked at the minimum requirements lately, but it used to be 50 K miles, basically the requirement for all emission systems.

I realize that aftermarket sensors are not required to meet these minimum requirements, but the Bosch sensors, as well as others that are used in the OEM market, have to. I do believe that many OEM sensor failures that we see are due to problems with proper pre-heat circuitry, and not with the sensors themselves.

John

How the sensor is controlled affects life as well. It is not just the sensor.

Are there known problems with the Innovate controller? Seems like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread when it came out, then started hearing some stuff about quality control, then they shut shut down their forums which were busy and informative. Never really did hear the cause of all the problems.

I have an older Holley/FJO wideband installed in my car full-time. It is 7 years old and has almost 10K miles on it. It works perfectly every time I start the car.

I also used to have an older LM-1. It used the Bosch sensor and needed to be re-calibrated weekly.

Your mileage may vary.

Andrew

All the locals here use AEM so it may be different but one guy, an owner of a speed shop, has 30+k miles on his. He had it on his RT-10 viper and moved it to his GTS viper when he bought it. It gets HARD miles to as his 200 shot of nitrous seems to go empty 2-3 times a WEEK.

He recommends everyone go with AEM and I will to.

I've had a Techedge controller for 10 years, haven't had any sensors go bad.

Although they're inexpensive....I found the Innovate products to be abit finicky. I recently setup a LMA-3 for a friend...he also had an LC1 controller that has a sensor "go bad"

For a standalone unit...I really like the NTK AF/X wideband. It uses the slightly more expensive NTK sensor but...it's a really decent piece for the money. I believe ECM is making them for NTK....which makes some really nice stuff!

I`m innstalling my third and last sensor this winter. Sick and tired of it. Innovate brand. Was looking forward to try the new sport comp system from automotive, but let go of it since it was on a backorder at summit.
My engine has been using quite a lot of oil and had timing set way retarded, so that may have contributed to the short life. I guess maybe 6 months total life with the two sensors.

I bought a new sensor and used my LM-1 to control my C950 fuel injection. I wired it into the C950 so it was controlled the same way as the Holley controller/sensor. I got maybe 1,000 miles out of it before the typical 08 sensor failure. I just installed a AEM/EUGO controller/gauge combination. Seems like a good piece for the money. We'll see how it goes.