Removing O2 sensor

[thdrill]

I am in process of replacing my O2 sensors and have run into a problem. I have been able to remove three of the four sensors and have remaning the post-cat sensor on the passenger side (just before the muffler), this sensor is apparently frozen in place and even though I have attempted to loosen it with WD40 as I was trying to remove it the wrench has rounded out one of the corners and I am unable to get a good bite on it with my current tools (adjustable wrench, channel locks, adjustable pliers). Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could remove this last sensor...or is it just easier to take it to a mechanic?

 

[greengumby]

i had to heat up the pipe on mine to get her loose i had the same problem
and liquid wrench i found that it works better than wd-40

 

[thdrill]

so maybe let the engine run to heat up the exhaust and try it again?

I just hope I haven't stripped the edges too much already fighting with it.

 

[greengumby]

you could try that ..in my case i used a torch just to "spot" heat the area and i used liquid wrench that helped alot . also you might wanna have a pair of vise grips handy incase you rounded out the head of the sensor nothing worse than snaping the sucker in the pipe then it really becomes a problem.

 

[shadytahoe]

even if you rounded off the edges if you heat it up enough it shouldnt be a problem i work at a tranny shop and whe have to heat them up all the time works like a charm :thumbsup:

 

[greengumby]

exactly .....let us know how the task went

 

[boostaholic]

Just get some vice grips on that bitch and it will come loose, some heat or pb blaster will aid in the process but I've always broken them loose without a torch. Then remember to use the correct size and it shouldn't happen again.

 

[thdrill]

Took another shot at it today with the vice scrips. Ran the truck to temp ~210 and hooked up the vice-scrips but couldn't get a good enough grip to break her free. I'm taking the truck in to change the fluids in a week or two so I guess I will just have them change out the fuel filter and the last O2 sensor. Thanks for the suggestions though.

 

[jey_]

I had a bunch of difficulty removing my O2 sensor until I bought this:

It has a great grip that doesn't round off the bolt. I've also used a pipe wrench and stuck a 4 foot long pipe to it and that worked pretty well too :lol:

 

[thdrill]

I think the problem may be that the bolt is already starting to round off...but hey it's worth a look.

 

[thdrill]

Just an update, I finally got the b**** loose with some PD blast and a pipe wrench. Thanks again for all the suggestions

 

[radkon]

In the future I recommend one of these O2 sockets:

They can be purchased for as little as $7.50
Also for anyone wishing to use heat with PB blaster or other spray lube be advised most of them are flammable!