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.

 

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?

 

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...

 

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

 

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

 

PB Blaster all the way, never found better.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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...