how to get out o2 sensor

[Mad_Hatter]

Originally Posted by BlueOvalFitter
Originally Posted by Chris142
Originally Posted by dishdude
Unless it's throwing a code you're throwing your money away.

Not always. They do get lazy but no code. My Jeep really picked up mpg and power with new ones.

Yes they do. I follow what the manufacturer recommends.
I used to keep the engine running and break the sensor loose. The cat gets very hot and this helps to break it loose.

I replaced the Bank 1 upstream sensor with a Walker from RA (no issues whatsoever, I think the OE was Denso IIRC) when I had to take off the plenum to address a cylinder 1 issue..it was technically still working but I figured since I was in there and it was the factory sensor might as well. I cleaned up the old one, tested it on the bench using a torch and kept it.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted by dishdude
Unless it's throwing a code you're throwing your money away.


I changed my 2 upstream O2s on my Ford Explorer and got 5-10 MPG gains. Originals had 289,000 KMs on them. My only regret is I had the new o2s for three years before I bothered to install them, thinking it wouldn't make much difference.

 

[eljefino]

You can try it when hot but you could also try it after a 2 minute warm up, when the manifold has taken heat but the sensor, not as much yet.

The longer the breaker bar, the better, because you get less side load for a given rotational torque.

Consider removing some fufu trim or airbox stuff or other interferences to get in there on there better.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Torch and quench was the only way I could get it out of the downpipe on my F350. I was under there for probably 30 minutes trying to get it to break free.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted by clinebarger
Fords have the tightest torqued O2 sensors of any make (In my opinion).

I cut the wires off & use a deep 7/8" or 22mm 1/2" drive socket on a 25" long 1/2" drive ratchet........ O2 sockets will spread!

You have courage, once you cut the wires, you are committed. I gave up years ago on my 87 f150. I'll wait till a code is thrown.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted by Lubener

You have courage, once you cut the wires, you are committed. I gave up years ago on my 87 f150. I'll wait till a code is thrown.


I don't cut the wires unless i can get an impact gun in there. If i can't get it off with a long end wrench, and i can't get impact in there, i don't cut the wires and i take it to the exhaust shop.

 

[dogememe]

Originally Posted by spasm3
Originally Posted by Lubener

You have courage, once you cut the wires, you are committed. I gave up years ago on my 87 f150. I'll wait till a code is thrown.


I don't cut the wires unless i can get an impact gun in there. If i can't get it off with a long end wrench, and i can't get impact in there, i don't cut the wires and i take it to the exhaust shop.


I have some room, maybe I can fit my electric impact in there.

 

[clinebarger]

Originally Posted by Lubener
Originally Posted by clinebarger
Fords have the tightest torqued O2 sensors of any make (In my opinion).

I cut the wires off & use a deep 7/8" or 22mm 1/2" drive socket on a 25" long 1/2" drive ratchet........ O2 sockets will spread!

You have courage, once you cut the wires, you are committed. I gave up years ago on my 87 f150. I'll wait till a code is thrown.


I'm not scared.....Rarely do I have one not come out.

 

[NYEngineer]

I apply Mouse Milk to them while they're hot and let it soak in. Then I unplug em so I can slip a box wrench on. I have a 100% success rate.

 

[clinebarger]

Not to be argumentative.....But I have never had success using penetrants on the outside, There's a crush washer that prevents it from reaching the threads.

The "Quench" trick works very well though, Get the O2 nut nice & hot with Victor & pour some cold water on it.

 

[bionictony]

i changed out mine yesterday. rented a o2 sensor tool socket. i didn't have a long 3/8 bar so i used my craftsman torque wrench. it was 18" long so it gave enough leverage to break the o2 sensor out. didn't use WD40. i used a longer craftsman torque wrench to tighten it at 30ft lbs. i would say use a long enough bar with proper tool o2 socket will break it free.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted by bionictony
i didn't have a long 3/8 bar so i used my craftsman torque wrench. i

 

[BeerCan]

I've been prety lucky with mine. I usually spray some pb blaster on them the day before and I use an o2 sensor socket to break them loose. Sometomes I cut the wires and use a deep socket if I have room.

I just change one on my 968. It was not throwing a code but the change made a difference in how the car ran for sure. The old one had 121000 miles on it

supposed to change at 60k I think

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted by bionictony
i changed out mine yesterday. rented a o2 sensor tool socket. i didn't have a long 3/8 bar so i used my craftsman torque wrench. it was 18" long so it gave enough leverage to break the o2 sensor out. didn't use WD40. i used a longer craftsman torque wrench to tighten it at 30ft lbs. i would say use a long enough bar with proper tool o2 socket will break it free.

Good way to make your torque wrench fubar.

 

[wtd]

Heat is usually your friend when trying to take out O2 sensors. When I went to replace the pre-cat O2 sensors on my 98 chevy K3500, they would not come out for anything. I tried heating them up with a torch, deep socket with a breaker bar, and nothing worked. I eventually took it to an exhaust shop. They got them out but they ruined the bung on one pipe and had to weld in a new one.

The ones on my 98 K1500 came out with no problems. The K3500 came from further up north in MO where they use a lot of salt and is probably why they wouldn't come out.