7th Heaven

I'm trying to get out my O2 sensor, I suspect that's what causing me to run a little rich and smell like a lawn mower. I've heard of this stuff penetrant that you spray or apply on the sensor and leave overnight, and supposedly it helps you get it off. Where could I buy some of that stuff, like Autozone or something? And who makes it, or do I just ask for 'penetrant'?

Also, anyone have a good spot where the wrench or socket should go to when removing the sensor? That area in my engine bay around the sensor is cluttered with wires and I don't have much room to work at all, plus the damn wire is making it hard.

Thanks guys.

7th Heaven

Oh, and I heard that it is a good idea to warm up the car a little bit before attempting to take the sensor off. How long approx. should I let the car idle?

WAYNE88N/A

Yep, let the exhaust get hot, get an O2 sensor socket (1/2" drive), a couple of 1/2" extensions (enough to get your arms up out of the engine bay for leverage), and a 1/2" breaker bar. With the right tooling, it's a piece of cake...

Rx7MPGUY84

warm up the motor? sounds like it will hurt. lol.

Pinfield357

ya ask for penetrating oil they will point you to stuff like "WD-40" "liquid wrench" "PB Blaster" Sea Foam Penetrating oil" stuff like that

some people swear by WD-40 but iv had better luck with liquid wrenc and PB blaster never used the sea foam stuff cause its really exspensive

Tiers

PB Blaster all the way, never found better.

Jodoolin

I second PB Blaster. The sensor will be difficult enuf (leverage angle very limited) especially if it has been on for an ungodly long time. I used it and let it sit over night once it was clear it was rusted and did not want to budge. I went back every few hours and gave it several blasts with the blaster. Actually got up in the middle of the night (to have a leak and a cig) and blasted it. One try and it snapped loose.

I used a copper anti-seize on the new sensor. Hopefullly this will help when I have to replace it again.

DerangedHermit

Omg, a 1/2 breaker and extensions is a tool I DO have, amazing. Hopefully I won't need to use them though...

jimmyv13

I got my O2 sensor off my letting it soak in PB Blaster overnight then starting the car for a minute or two in the morning. Using the O2 sensor socket is really helpful with a universal and a few entensions.

WAYNE88N/A

Remember guys, the O2 sensor needs an electrical ground at the manifold (via it's threads), so don't go crazy with the anti-seize, and clean out as much of the penetrant oil as you can before installing the new one. The new sensors usually come with an O2 sensor-safe anti-seize on them...We use some stuff called Mouse Milk on the airplanes, don't know if it works any better than PB Blaster or not, but since I can take home "free" samples I just use the Mouse Milk, lol...