02 sensor headache

[jpilk99]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

For removing I put the crow foot socket on and if too tight to muscle out with the breaker bar I smack with a 3# hammer a couple times first and it's always released.

Hah; clearly I should've just called you to come over and pop it out.

I PB Blasted
I used socket, breaker bar
I heated
I hit with hammer
I heated
I PB Blasted
I put tape inside the sensor removal tool
I hit with hammer
I heated 10 minutes, PB blasted, hit with hammer, used vice grips

Oh well.

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Changed all four of my O2 sensors since they'd never been changed. No codes or other issues, but after reading the recommended service interval for them was 100,000 miles and I was at 220,000, I thought it would be a good idea. After reading of everyone's woes I was expecting the worst. Hit them with PB blaster the night before. They came right out. Toughest part feeding the wires from the downstream sensors up to the top of the engine.

I live about 5-10 miles from Menlo Park (I'm in Redwood Shores). I've had no problems at all with the O2 sensors either (or just about any other fasteners on all of my other cars, vs. the stories I read on these forums). No PBBlaster, no prep, no 45* sockets (nice, BTW), no nothing special at all.

I will guess it is not just a matter of luck. The incredibly high taxes we pay out here are obviously used to fund a top secret government program to keep all automotive fasteners rust free. You heard it here first. (seriously, it is the climate and good roads, no salt - which we do all pay for out here, directly or not)

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by jpilk99

Hah; clearly I should've just called you to come over and pop it out.

I PB Blasted
I used socket, breaker bar
I heated
I hit with hammer
I heated
I PB Blasted
I put tape inside the sensor removal tool
I hit with hammer
I heated 10 minutes, PB blasted, hit with hammer, used vice grips

Oh well.

I'd love to know how your mechanic got it out.

[jpilk99]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

I live about 5-10 miles from Menlo Park (I'm in Redwood Shores). I've had no problems at all with the O2 sensors either (or just about any other fasteners on all of my other cars, vs. the stories I read on these forums). No PBBlaster, no prep, no 45* sockets (nice, BTW), no nothing special at all.

I will guess it is not just a matter of luck. The incredibly high taxes we pay out here are obviously used to fund a top secret government program to keep all automotive fasteners rust free. You heard it here first.

I completely disagree . I pay HUGE taxes in ...Taxachusetts.

I assume my mechanic had better leverage with the vehicle up in the air and room to work. Probably better tools. Who knows. Like I said, I've changed many; some came out easy, some were tough, and this one I just couldn't get. Once that hex head got rounded off, it was kinda challenging. Oh well, I may just suck - glad it's done now.

[andrewwynn]

$70 not terrible labor cost for TWO sensors. Didn't you say you did one yourself?

The best way to remove if it's stuck is a 22mm (7/8 in) : they are almost the same but slightly different use which fits better closed end wrench and hit with a hammer after pb blast or equivalent.

(Cut the wire to use closed end or I think you could fish the entire wire through)

It's key to get good grip before rounding and I suspect lots and lots of heat would release the rounded stuck one so some map gas or oxygen/acetylene.

I have to swap out a defective when new sensor. It's a clone but German made. One worked one didn't. I got no grief from the seller to get a swap just needed a pic of the serial #

HUGE TIP: Take a pic of serial number when installing any new part: twice in three years I had to send a photo of the serial number to get a replacement part and it's a lot easier when new and not installed (good example: fuel pump). The serial number is on the flat of the O2 sensor and completely unreadable once used for a few months.


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[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by oldskewel

I live about 5-10 miles from Menlo Park (I'm in Redwood Shores). I've had no problems at all with the O2 sensors either (or just about any other fasteners on all of my other cars, vs. the stories I read on these forums). No PBBlaster, no prep, no 45* sockets (nice, BTW), no nothing special at all.

I will guess it is not just a matter of luck. The incredibly high taxes we pay out here are obviously used to fund a top secret government program to keep all automotive fasteners rust free. You heard it here first. (seriously, it is the climate and good roads, no salt - which we do all pay for out here, directly or not)

The benefits of living where there's never any snow! Could also be the ridiculous taxes. Something special in the air?