oxygen sensor removal help

goodwrench · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007, 10:49 PM

Well i tried to change my o2 sensor tonight. And the ford won. This is a 99 four cylinder 160000 miles, dont think this thing has ever been out. I tried from the top side tonight. I used pb blaster, heated the exaust and got no where. I even used my impact to rattle it and still nothin. I had the o2 socket set from advance and all they did was slip and round the corners. So i guess my next move is to seem if i can remove it from the side or bottom with some other instrument. So anybody have any tips or tricks on changing this thing? Can it be reached from the side or bottom?? Help!!

later!! chris

Bear River · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 12:22 AM

You can try grabbing it with a good pipe wrench, and some kind of sturdy extension. Be advise however, that if it is stuck in there that tightly, it maight damage the threads as it comes out. If that is the case, you will need to replace the bushing anyway.

CougarXR02 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 01:59 AM

I used to have the same issues. so finally I took the new one to the store and spend the $12.99 on a 22mm combination wrench. Lock on tight, put some steady strong push to it with leverage, or a foot. Have had no issues since. Give it a shot.

Bob K. · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 02:57 PM

I'm not familiar with how accessible your O2 sensors are; however, on my '97 4.0L, the only way I could get to the passenger's side O2 sensor (H02S-11) was to take the passenger's side wheel well splash guard out and go in that way. I also soaked it repeatedly with penetrating oil and used a monster crescent wrench to break it loose.

fordboy_52 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 04:20 PM

when i did mine i heated the heck out of it with a torch and it broke free with a wrench much like mentioned above.

Matt

goodwrench · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 10:15 PM

okay what if a wrench is out of the question because of no corners left, cant get a pipe wrench on it because of a bolt directly behind it holding the pipes together, and then hardly any room anywhere else to try anything? I am afraid of breaking things because nothing wants to move. So what are the methods when a normal wrench wont work, and you can only use a pipe wrench, vise grip, or other means? I am out of ideas? I get the feeling it will take a pro to get this thing out if it comes out.. I am thinking about just erasing the code when ever it surfaces and just drive on for a while. That is if the gas mileage does not drop too bad.. so any ideas??

later!! chris

fordboy_52 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2007, 10:18 PM

do u have access to a welder?

goodwrench · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 09:13 PM

well this thing has whooped me. I have not gotten it to budge one millimeter. I have tried every angle and tool that will fit. I have successfully FUBARed it. It has pending codes for rich lean and heater circuit.. So i guess it is time to find some guidance from some one who has been there done that.. Amazing how something so simple and can be so screwed up.. I guess thats the joy of an old ford..

later!! chris