Hi guys, i'm replacing the 02 sensor on my 86gxl, and CANT get it to budge! As far as i know, its the original sensor, and the car has 163k miles, so its STUCK. I've tried an oxygen sensor socket, but it slips when i put torque on it, and i dont want to strip it.
Are there more than one size of oxygen sensor socket?
Are there any other ways to get the sensor loose? I've been spraying it with penetrant every few days, and running the car to get it nice and hot. Any help would be appreciated, thanks alot
-Matt

 

The socket shouldnt slip at all. As far as I know all 02 Sensors are the same size. I always use a very long (2' or better) extension, so I can bring the ratchet up to about chest level. Then you can get all the power on it you can, and even use a breaker bar if necessary. Sometimes these things come right out, sometimes they are hopelessly tight.

 

DO NOT FORCE IT OUT! If you do, you will have to remove the downpipe and re-tap it . Spray a lot of WD-40 or Liquid Wrench and let it sit a few hours.
Another reason why you should always use anti-seize on all engine bolts. Especially aluminum block

 

Yhea when I remove the O2 sensor off the stock down pipe it was rusted together. I used a long wrench with another one attached to the end of it and a lot wd40. The downpipe was off the car of corse. then I taped it with a hammer untill I lussend it and took it off. It sucked because the O2 plug and the downpipes pitting got all screwed up. The O2 didn't fit right in the corksport downpipe, so i just used the one that was on my old N/A engine wich came off so easy.
Yhea use anti-seize.

 

To remove it you can use a deep socket without the slit for the wire. Just tuck the wire around the O2 sensor and slit the socket over it. Occasionally a less expensive sensor socket might have a tendency to "expand". Naturally when installing the new one you would want to use the sensor socket.

 

I just used vicegrips to remove mine with some tape around it first so it wouldnt be damaged.

 

Mines stuck in the rb headers. i'm going to brak off the electrical part and put a air gun on it...the torque wrench started clicking at 75 lbs....

 

Thanks for the help guys, i'll spray it with penetrant tonight, and try it tomorrow. I think i'm going to break off the mretal casing and use a regular socket, because my 02 sensor socket isnt going to cut it, i'll let you guys know how it turns out.

Any more suggestions in the mean time would be great too, thanks again -Matt

 

Open end wrench?

 

long closed end wrench with another long wrench on the wrench.

 

I used a long open end wrench and a hammer to lightly tap on the wrench in the direction to loosen it. Just a small tap should break it loose.

 

I went and got a MUCH tighter fitting 02 socket, and it worked like a charm.