Well, I am embarrased to admit this, but after 14 years with my FC I have fianlly started doing some serious maintenance work, beyond basic fluids.

It's amazing how little things like new plugs do wonders.

And replacing that water temperature sensor on top of the radiator, I've practically got a new car.

1. Well, what I need to know is this. I am trying to install my new O2 sensor. My crescent wrench won't fit. What sort of tools will work in that space? There are other spaces that are just as bad. What do I need? Where do I get them? I looked at the hardware store, nothing seemed appropriate.

2. And, iif anyone has any other little secrets or suggestions for maintenance parts to replace on the suspension I could use it, now that I've recouped 50 horses. Car is a little scarry up around 80, shaking and all.

 

Well...
for the O2 sensor, there is a O2 sensor socket you can get.

 

Get an O2 sensor socket. About 5 bones at checkers/autozone/sears/etc...

 

or you can just use a monkey wrench...

 

Shaking at high speed? When is the last time you had your tires balanced and the alignment done?

 

That's actually only a coolant level sensor. All it does is trigger a warning light and buzzer if coolant level drops. It has no effect on how the engine runs.
You need an O2 sensor socket, which is basically a deep socket with a slot for the wire to poke out. You'll probably need a universal joint and an extension to be able to get it out. It will also be very difficult to crack since it's been in the so long, so give it numerous squirts of penetrating lube over several days before you try to remove it.
A full balance and alignment is probably long overdue, and should solve this problem.

 

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Originally posted by Mazda99Nikon
And replacing that water temperature sensor on top of the radiator, I've practically got a new car.
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1. The car doesn't smell like coolant anymore! LOL. 2. The coolant warning buzzer never goes off anymore and 3 - it's also nice not to have coolant splashing up on the windshield. Just little stuff that's irritating.

On point three, I hadn't thought about balancing the wheels. I have about 40,000 on my Falkens. Still a little tread left, so when they get replaced this summer, I'll have them balanced and an alignment. Car has never been aligned in 150,000 miles! It doesn't wander at all, remarkably.

The car doesn't bounce when I lean on it suddenly, either, but could it need new shocks and springs, nevertheless?