oxygen sensor stuck!

[PlanZero]

I'm trying to replace my upstream oxygen sensor but I can't get the old one off! That sonofabitch is stuck. Any suggestions?

 

[gofer]

Get some PBlaster. With the motor cold spray around the o2 sensor so it penetrates into the threads. Spray it just before you drive and after you get to where you're going, basically heat cycling it before and after you spray it. After a day or two go at it again with a breaker bar and it should spin right out.

The next one you install use some anti-seize on the threads so it isn't such a PITA to remove.

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[F_27stryker1]

One simple tool you must add to your collection, is a simple socket made for this. Put it on, hell even use a cheater bar on your ratchet if you have to...gurantee its coming off. Its simply called an o2 sensor socket

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKnPniD-6xlXDAmRLL5MVuF-3wNI3K7oJDn1hynbn-NN1NXb6V

 

[crimsondragon]

One simple tool you must add to your collection, is a simple socket made for this. Put it on, hell even use a cheater bar on your ratchet if you have to...gurantee its coming off. Its simply called an o2 sensor socket

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKnPniD-6xlXDAmRLL5MVuF-3wNI3K7oJDn1hynbn-NN1NXb6V

Those things suck ass. I can't tell you a better way to round off an O2 sensor unless you used a crescent wrench. What you should get is, if you are definitely changing it out and have no plans to reuse the old one, a regular 6 point deep socket, cut the wires off the sensor and go to town on it with a breaker bar. Use a MAPP torch and heat it up O2 bung for a minute or two. It should come out. If you really want to call in the heavy artillery, source a Oxy/Acetylene torch. Those get hot enough to melt steel.

 

[sillycon]

My suggestion would be get a cheap open end wrench (e.g. harbor freight) and put a few tack welds between the o2 sensor and the wrench. Crack the sensor loose, then break the tacks.

You could also do the same with a socket (cut the wire off, put the socket over the stub, and tack weld the socket to the hex/flange).

 

[NHerron]

I like Tims idea. Except I'd use an impact to lessen any possible damage in case the leverage required gets a little wild... Sure it's unlikely but impact is faster anyway.

...Then I thought where it's positioned. Pretty sure impact won't fit...

... then I saw N/T. Now I really don't know. But still, Tim's ftw.

 

[F_27stryker1]

Well maybe everyone else has had bad luck with them, but I been using them for about 5 years, realisticly about 4 times, and ive never stripped a sensor. The last one I changed I had to put a two foot long breaker bar onto the ratchet. Came loose good. Just my opinion if your gonna be reusing it. Hell maybe im just really really lucky

 

[AK Maniak]

^same here. I use an o2 socket every time and I've never stripped or even started rounding it off.

 

[Breezio69]

Biggest pipe wrench you can maneuver in there! Since it obviously won't be used again, it becomes a leverage game. Big pipe wrench, big cheater bar = no more stuck o2. Last one I got out (from po) I used an 18" pipe wrench with another 12" of square steel slid over it for a cheater, made two quick pops on the handle and it was coming loose.

 

[RamenPride]

Those things suck ass. I can't tell you a better way to round off an O2 sensor unless you used a crescent wrench. What you should get is, if you are definitely changing it out and have no plans to reuse the old one, a regular 6 point deep socket, cut the wires off the sensor and go to town on it with a breaker bar. Use a MAPP torch and heat it up O2 bung for a minute or two. It should come out. If you really want to call in the heavy artillery, source a Oxy/Acetylene torch. Those get hot enough to melt steel.

Heating it is a good idea. However, if you don't access to a torch, you can always run the engine for a few mins to get it hot.

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Pb blaster. It's probably stuc because it was hot.