o2 sensors

RPM427 · 06-21-2002, 10:40 AM

I am having a lot of problems taking out my old 02 sensors. They will not come out! I've let them soak in this PB catalyst stuff and they still won't budge. I also drove the car around for a while and got the headers really hot, but still no luck.

Anyone have this problem before?? any suggestions??

Joe50 · 06-21-2002, 01:05 PM

Are you using the correct tool? Pep Boys has a split socket specifically for oxygen sensors. If you use this tool you can use a ratchet and breaker bar if you have to to get them loose.

Mr 5 0 · 06-21-2002, 01:58 PM

I had the same problem (right hand sensor) when I changed mine awhile back.

I used a torch to heat it and a breaker bar. Finally got it off after about an hour (luckily I had use of a lift). I risked stripping the thread but had no choice. Didn't strip it, all is well.

Good luck with this PITA 'little' job.

RPM427 · 06-24-2002, 11:42 AM

I finally got it lose yesterday. I was using that socket with the side split, but I was giving up some torque with it, so I cut the wires off and used a 6 pt deep socket. I had a 3 ft long breaker bar and still nothing.

I then placed the floor jack under the car and used it to push up on the breaker bar. I heard some wieght being relived off of the jackstands and then BANG. The sensor finally broke free. 3 ft long lever * 3400 lbs car is a lot of force. The threads were not damaged at all. And I was spraying the sensor with PB catalyst fastener lossener for 3 days letting it soak in. After 3 days of strugling I finally won the battle.

Chevyguy · 06-24-2002, 11:44 AM

I had one of the "OEM" brand black O2 sensor sockets for many years. When I tried to take out my crispy 12 year old factory original sensors they would not budge. The socket has 5 sides and has a notch to clear the wire. When I put the 1/2" breaker bar on it the socket just expanded and slipped. I blew off the project till I could get to a buddys shop to torch them off

When I was at NAPA for a wiper motor I saw a NAPA brand sensor socket, it had a much smaller notch than my old socket and was like $15 so figured WTF try it. That sucker was able to break off both my sensors, of course they were stuck in the socket pretty good afterwards but it did the job and I was able to get my inspection sticker!!

RPM427 · 06-24-2002, 02:24 PM

The socket I was using only had a small slit in it, and I did try heating the sensor cherry red, then trying to remove it, didn't work.

the floor jack did

06-21-2002, 10:40 AM	#1
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	o2 sensors I am having a lot of problems taking out my old 02 sensors. They will not come out! I've let them soak in this PB catalyst stuff and they still won't budge. I also drove the car around for a while and got the headers really hot, but still no luck. Anyone have this problem before?? any suggestions?? __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

06-21-2002, 01:05 PM	#2
Joe50 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 78	Are you using the correct tool? Pep Boys has a split socket specifically for oxygen sensors. If you use this tool you can use a ratchet and breaker bar if you have to to get them loose. __________________ "Drive it like you stole it!" '94 Vibrant Red GT

06-21-2002, 01:58 PM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Stubborn sensor I had the same problem (right hand sensor) when I changed mine awhile back. I used a torch to heat it and a breaker bar. Finally got it off after about an hour (luckily I had use of a lift). I risked stripping the thread but had no choice. Didn't strip it, all is well. Good luck with this PITA 'little' job.

06-24-2002, 11:42 AM	#4
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	I finally got it lose yesterday. I was using that socket with the side split, but I was giving up some torque with it, so I cut the wires off and used a 6 pt deep socket. I had a 3 ft long breaker bar and still nothing. I then placed the floor jack under the car and used it to push up on the breaker bar. I heard some wieght being relived off of the jackstands and then BANG. The sensor finally broke free. 3 ft long lever * 3400 lbs car is a lot of force. The threads were not damaged at all. And I was spraying the sensor with PB catalyst fastener lossener for 3 days letting it soak in. After 3 days of strugling I finally won the battle. __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

06-24-2002, 11:44 AM	#5
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	I had one of the "OEM" brand black O2 sensor sockets for many years. When I tried to take out my crispy 12 year old factory original sensors they would not budge. The socket has 5 sides and has a notch to clear the wire. When I put the 1/2" breaker bar on it the socket just expanded and slipped. I blew off the project till I could get to a buddys shop to torch them off When I was at NAPA for a wiper motor I saw a NAPA brand sensor socket, it had a much smaller notch than my old socket and was like $15 so figured WTF try it. That sucker was able to break off both my sensors, of course they were stuck in the socket pretty good afterwards but it did the job and I was able to get my inspection sticker!! __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

06-24-2002, 02:24 PM	#6
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	The socket I was using only had a small slit in it, and I did try heating the sensor cherry red, then trying to remove it, didn't work. the floor jack did __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
question about o2 sensors on a 95 GT	HopingForAGT	Windsor Power	4	06-04-2002 01:17 AM
longer oxygen sensors?? help!	coolguy620	Windsor Power	3	03-28-2002 01:21 PM
Problems with O2 Sensors on an Off Road X?	Chipdog	Windsor Power	4	09-24-2001 09:30 AM
Need help with O2 Sensors on 95 GT	Mike Souslin	Windsor Power	9	07-31-2001 09:07 PM
Cheap O2 sensors?????	JRowlette	Windsor Power	2	05-09-2001 04:58 PM