Removing Oxygen Sensor
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Removing Oxygen Sensor
I'm having a dog of a time trying to remove my O.E. Ford HEGO Sensor on my '90 F-150 I6. It's the original. I have tried PB Blaster, Foaming Liquid Wrench, heated the exhaust up to help remove it, (2) types of wrenches, (1) special socket for O2 sensor and (2nd) a 7/8 wrench. So far all I have accomplished is rounding the head off. I was using vise grips now, but got too dark to work on it anymore. Would a small torch help loosen it?
I'm open to any ideas. First HEGO sensor I have ever changed that has ever given me this mountain of problems.
I'm open to any ideas. First HEGO sensor I have ever changed that has ever given me this mountain of problems.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I usually soak with penatrating oil, run the motor for a minute or two and put the o2 sensor socket on it. If I run into trouble turning it, a few taps with a rubber mallot frees it up.
Try tapping on the vice grips, the suddent jarring motion can free it up. It's a similar concept to an impact gun.
Try tapping on the vice grips, the suddent jarring motion can free it up. It's a similar concept to an impact gun.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Well tried soaking it again, tried running it a bit to get it hot, ruined a brand new 10" vise grip. IT's so frozen it ate the teeth down on the vise grip. Tried a punch and a hammer, still frozen. Used a pipe wrench,...the truck moves when I try to break the nut loose...
Should I get a small propane torch and try to get it really hot the try another whack at it, or simply go to the nearest welding shop and have them weld something to it to try and break it loose?
Should I get a small propane torch and try to get it really hot the try another whack at it, or simply go to the nearest welding shop and have them weld something to it to try and break it loose?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
You can try, but you will probably have to break and bend the sensor out. Try the welding shop first, but if the sensor breaks, you can tap the threads to the center and take the tension off.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 447
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From: youngstown ohio
or u can grind off and either weld new bung(threads)on or have someone do it my bung cost 7.00 from parts store. p.o welded in sensor and wondered why check engine lite was on put new sensor and bung on no lite 4 3 months
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
I made an appointment at the exhaust shop. I almost want to believe it was crossthreaded since I went thru the same hassle on my 97 ford taurus. it had 4 O2 sensors, and i had one that was crossthreaded. I was highly P.O! I'm still soaking it with penetrating oil. Gonna keep doing it till I can no longer face the fact I will never get it out, and hopefully prevent myself from paying someone else to do it.
"Sad to know, that something so simple, can be so difficult in the end..."
"Sad to know, that something so simple, can be so difficult in the end..."
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Update:
Got the O2 Sensor out with the help of a good neighbor and (2) Propane torches. Had to get it unbelievably hot to remove it. Just got to use a spark plug chaser to start the threads off right again! Thanks for the tips and advice guys! I'll post again once I get it in and call it a done deal!
Got the O2 Sensor out with the help of a good neighbor and (2) Propane torches. Had to get it unbelievably hot to remove it. Just got to use a spark plug chaser to start the threads off right again! Thanks for the tips and advice guys! I'll post again once I get it in and call it a done deal!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Update:
Used the spark plug chaser, and it went in just fine! Mileage is back up...good thing since gas is $2.89 a gallon here for regular...I don't understand how they can just change gas, when they bought it wholesale and didn't pay that amount for it that day but 2 days later they can jack it up even more like 12 cents a gallon more.....Errrrrrrrr
Used the spark plug chaser, and it went in just fine! Mileage is back up...good thing since gas is $2.89 a gallon here for regular...I don't understand how they can just change gas, when they bought it wholesale and didn't pay that amount for it that day but 2 days later they can jack it up even more like 12 cents a gallon more.....Errrrrrrrr
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 614
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From: Pensacola, FL
now now, FLORIDA is the sunshine state, Cali is the hippie state 
gas is around 2.80-2.90 for 87 here. fine for the ol 300 but the caddy requires premium. course it gets almost twice the gas mileage as my truck so i still come out ahead.
gas is around 2.80-2.90 for 87 here. fine for the ol 300 but the caddy requires premium. course it gets almost twice the gas mileage as my truck so i still come out ahead.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Originally Posted by 95Ford4x4
now now, FLORIDA is the sunshine state, Cali is the hippie state
Dream on, Florida's a giant retirement home 
Yeah we've got a few hippies here and there. But society needs SOMEBODY to spit on.
-Chris