81 Sensor light on. O2 sensor?

[burntcloth]

I just picked up an 81 Corolla 1.8L & the red SENSOR light stays lit constantly. I'm assuming this is the Oxygen sensor. Has anybody replaced one of these? How hard is it/how long does it take/ any tips?

Also, what is the fuel economy supposed to be for one of these cars? Last time I filled up, it was at around 19 mpg, which shocked me for a car this small. Then I thought the O2 sensor maybe had something to do with that.

Last, does anybody recommend any particular parts websites to deal with online?

Thanks for all your help!

marshall

[joeking]

I had the check engine light come on one time on my 03 with 218,000 miles. I unhooked the battery and hooked it up again and the problem never came back. Otherwise it could be a number of things. Go to an auto parts store that reads the code for free and find out for sure what the problem is. Good luck.

[burntcloth]

I don't think there's a computer on this one (1981). Unplugging the battery does nothing.

[BigNazty114]

you are probably right in assuming the O2 sensor is what is causing the light. Haven't replaced mine on my '81 SR5 though. Sorry, wish I could give you a bit more details on that.

My corolla gets just about low 20s or even maybe 25 on MPG. Fuel economy goes downhill once the engine starts to get very old...with a fresh 3TC you should get better economy. Or you could just refresh a few things around it. Make sure you have a clean air filter. Checking the efficiency of your exhaust system wouldn't hurt. You could even go with a header and (depending on regulations where you live) straight exhaust pipe. Then again, I don't know if you would want to use money making the car more "sporty"
Only other thing I could think of making the economy suffer is the carb

again, sorry I can't help you more