How Likely Is It That I Can Get Bank1/Sensor2 O2 Sensor Out?

[George7941]

Got the P2A01 code in my 2006 Sierra 4.3l V6 once in February and it came back today. So I might have to replace the sensor. I have not done any troubleshooting yet.

On this salt belt 18 yr old truck, I was wondering how much of a fight I am going to have removing this sensor. I have the OTC oxygen sensor socket but don't have access to a hoist, so I will be working lying on my back. Doable or should I let a shop handle it?

If one sensor is defective, should I replace the other downstream sensor?

 

[ls1mike]

I have gotten them out, but I soak it, run it till it is hot and soak it again. Something like PB blaster. I have had sucess with that.

 

[George7941]

Liquid Wrench is my penetrant of choice. I will try soaking it and running the engine to get it hot.

 

[Mechanician]

It may be best to cut the wires off, and use a standard deep well socket if it will fit. If the original anti-seize held up, it may come right out.

 

[SHOZ]

7/8" box wrench. Got three of those sensor socket, they all flex. Might be good for installing.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Liquid Wrench is my penetrant of choice. I will try soaking it and running the engine to get it hot.

Not in the same league as pb blaster or kroil. Not knocking liquid wrench but it’s 50 year old chemistry.

 

[Dave9]

Not in the same league as pb blaster or kroil. Not knocking liquid wrench but it’s 50 year old chemistry.

Umm, allow me to introduce you to PB Blaster, "The #1-selling penetrant since 1957", and Kroll, "The most trusted penetrating oil since 1939!"

 

[SC Maintenance]

Umm, allow me to introduce you to PB Blaster, "The #1-selling penetrant since 1957", and Kroll, "The most trusted penetrating oil since 1939!"

Liquid wrench sucks, either way. Better off rubbing a banana peel on it. I have never had any luck with that stuff, ever.

 

[BrendanC]

soak in PB blaster a day before you want to mess with it. soak it again, drive it, let it cool. soak it and torch it. then soak it again. i have a 7/8’s O2 sensor crows foot that makes quick work of O2 sensors. ALWAYS use a very thin layer of high temp anti-seize on the threads when going back together.

 

[clinebarger]

I question the use of penetrants on O2's as they have a gasket, Cutting the wire lead off & using a 7/8" or 22mm socket is good advice.

If stubborn or galled.....I heat the bung with my oxygen/acetylene rig, Then spray it with water.

 

[NYEngineer]

I've never not gotten one out. My penetrant of choice... Mouse Milk. Apply it with a Q Tip while hot.

 

[George7941]

Got the sensor out, came out easy peasy. Did not have to heat it.

I cut off half the sensor with my angle grinder and then used a 22mm socket. Did not have to apply excessive force. Used my O2 sensor socket for installation.

I was expecting to have a fight on my hands, considering this was a daily driven 18 year old truck in the salt belt.

I was also expecting that the MIL would need a couple of drive cycles before it turned off but it turned off within a few minutes of driving the truck after the sensor replacement.

 

[D60]

View attachment 242186

Got the sensor out, came out easy peasy. Did not have to heat it.

I cut off half the sensor with my angle grinder and then used a 22mm socket. Did not have to apply excessive force. Used my O2 sensor socket for installation.

I was expecting to have a fight on my hands, considering this was a daily driven 18 year old truck in the salt belt.

I was also expecting that the MIL would need a couple of drive cycles before it turned off but it turned off within a few minutes of driving the truck after the sensor replacement.

I love it, nice work!!