Cross threaded OX sensor???GRRRRRR!

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Feb 7, 2006 | 02:38 PM

Broncobirdy

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From: Camden County, NC

Cross threaded OX sensor???GRRRRRR!

97 Ranger 4.0L. Check engine light on. Local parts store pulls codes....OX sensor. I decided to replace all. The first 2 no problem like 5 minutes...The 3rd...right front before cat. I pull on the wrench it slides off, rounded 2 sides. No problem I'll cut the sensor off and put a deep well socket. I smoke two blades on the recip saw....cut off end of sensor....Now I bring out the electric impact....270 FT.Pounds!...Tap socket on over the rounded sides. Get great bite. No budge nothing.....I end rounding off all the sides of the nut! NOW WHAT!!!??? To remove the pipe means taking off the manifold!!!!I am soooo screwed...Sometimes I hate working on my own stuff sometimes its very cool!

Feb 7, 2006 | 03:15 PM

ark_firefighter

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its not that bad of a problom, i had somthing similer happen to me before.. Not sure about the prices there, but here, i took it to a local muffler shop and he cut the o2 sensor out with a welder, then he should have some 02 Sensor Bungs, ( a threaded ring made for 02 sensors) and he will weld one into place next to where the old one was, and take the 02 sensor with ya so you can thread it in once he is done. cost about 10.00 here to have em do it. . Hope that helps.

Feb 7, 2006 | 03:18 PM

1975Ford

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try heating the O2 sensor with a torch. Make sure their is no fuel lines or wires or other lines which can cause fire. Then with a set of good vice grips which has good teeth, set on 02 sensor nut, tap with hammer, and it should brake loose. sometimes heating the pipe around the 02 sensor, and then cooling the 02 sensor prior to removing with vice grips.

Feb 7, 2006 | 04:55 PM

Broncobirdy

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From: Camden County, NC

Thanks.....First...I'll try the heat method first...Mapp gas get it hot enough. I don't have oxy/acetyl torch.
Second...Ark.....Just drive it like it is....with sensor still in and broke off? Probably 12 mile drive? Thats in case the heat thing don't work. I hope it does....my confidence is low being that it is crossthreaded from factory. not rust. We'll see. I'll keep posted here. Thanks again.

Feb 7, 2006 | 05:15 PM

1975Ford

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Maybe a pipe wrench with a cheater pipe at the end, but, When you do get the o2 sensor new one in, you will need to reset the OBD II diagnostic codes (clear the computer codes), Autozone will do this for free. Some codes might come up, but you will need to clear the codes, and drive your Ranger awhile, before pulling codes again.

Feb 7, 2006 | 06:44 PM

Broncobirdy

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From: Camden County, NC

I tried the pipe and cheater already....I pulled like a son of a gun. I will try w/ the heat although the nut ends are almost totally rounded. I think I will be visiting the muff shop. Even though I feel like its a retreat retreat...lol.Thanks for the info on codes...

Feb 7, 2006 | 08:11 PM

ark_firefighter

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it will be fine driving it to the shop that way, i would call the one you plan on going to first to make sure they have the sensor bung, you might have crappy gas millage on the way there though, but after its in, like 1975 Ford said, go to autozone and they can reset the computer, or disconect the positive termenal on you battery for a few minuts and that will reset it as well.