O2 sensor removal

[rydsno]

Hey all, looking for some tips and tricks for removing my O2 sensor. Should I heat the area with a torch to help? Or no? I heard that cutting the wire and using a deep socket is better that a wrench. I don't want to strip the hole, so i'm looking for the best way to do it. Thanks!

[Kingman]

Soak it in a good penetrating oil like PBlaster for a couple hours before taking a wrench to it. If you are sure to be replacing the sensor then it would be okay to cut the wires. Even as old as my truck was I didn't have to use any type of penetrating oil, though it was hard to break loose.

[Simon]

Get yourself an O2 sensor socket. Rather than cut the wires before you have the thing broken loose, you can leave the wires in place and try to get it out with the proper tool.

 

I've had good, and bad luck with O2 sensors in the past. On my old truck, I couldn't get one out, no way, no how, and even a mechanic had to cut the bung out, and weld in a new one (made me feel better). On my current truck, I had no problems with just the O2 sensor socket, and a regular ratchet.

[GrimGreg]

Get an O2 socket, it will make getting the new one put in easier also.

 

I didn't use anything but brute force to change mine.

[Precise1]

Unless it is rusted solid, the correct, tight fitting wrench should be all that is required after it had been soaked in penetrating oil.

 

B

[MY1PATH]

After spraning repeatedly tap the bung with the end of a wrench or a small hammer to help it penetrate.

[rydsno]

Thanks everyone, i'll give it a go this weekend.

[BowTied]

Get the socket. However, one I did a few years ago: I bought the special socket, and of course, the cheap one I bought would fit on the sensor but there was no position for it to recieve the ratchet with extension or not.... I put some heat on it with the torch and a regular wrench turned it out effortlessly. Try not to burn down your vehicle. Wear safety glasess.. you know the drill. g/l

Edited January 27, 2010 by BowTied

[MY1PATH]

If you use heat after using penetant be careful! wipe it dry with acetone before applying heat because some of areosol flids create deadly gasses when the burn. I belive A member of N4w was hospitalized because he used brake cleaner to prep his welds.IIRC the worst of it was that all they could do is put him on oxygen and hope he hadn't inhaled enough to completely shut down his lungs.

[headpeace]

Unless it is rusted solid, the correct, tight fitting wrench should be all that is required after it had been soaked in penetrating oil.

 

B

 

 

x2

[adamzan]

A member of N4w was hospitalized because he used brake cleaner to prep his welds

 

Well he was a complete dumbass for doing that

Edited January 27, 2010 by adamzan

[Simon]

Like you'd know the difference, Adam. People use brake cleaner for all kinds of preparation/cleaning when fabricating or doing any other automotive work. I have used brake cleaner NUMEROUS times to clean greasy metal for welding preparation. The problem isn't the brake cleaner, it's the type of brake cleaner used. If it contains chlorine, it's dangerous. If not, it's fine.

 

Basically, don't comment unless you know what the hell you're talking about.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread....

[BowTied]

Until reading this article, I had also used different things to clean metal to prep for a weld, especially for grease removal. Doing it wrong can kill you... as Simon noted, certain chemicals in this situation can create phosgene gas - a WWI nerve gas. Nasty stuff is an understatement.

 

http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

 

 

 

[MY1PATH]

the folks next door use 90% denatured alchol for any welding prep.(Professional Aircraft welding) Acetone is another safe altrenative and most people have 70% isopropyl alcohol (common to grocery stores) which is also safe but not as effective.

Edited January 27, 2010 by MY1PATH