Oxygen Sensor

[Otto Man]

Well I'm done to the last piece, which is probably the only thing I really needed to replace in the first place.
What is the trick to getting that darn Oxygen sensor loose? I've been spraying it with Blaster PB daily for a month and my Craftsman Breaker Bar is the only thing giving way. I cut the wire and put a nice 7/8 tall socket, feet against my garage wall and Ummpphhh. Doesn't budge! Once thats replaced I can put it all back together.
Any hints?
Chris

[Eyelawdoc]

Removing O2 Sensor

Put an impact wrench on that socket or get a bigger breaker bar. Alternating heat from a torch with the PB Blaster also helps. It is tough to get that thing off!

When I removed the one on my 84 after 204,000 miles I had to break off the top of the O2 Sensor with a hammer and get on it with a short 6 point socket and a 2 1/2 foot 1/2" drive breaker bar. That plus heating and soaking it with penetrant did the job (just barely).

[GAboySVO]

Chris,

I'm guesing you dont have access to a torch, but you can use MAP gas instead. It's the one in the yellow bottle at Home Depot. MAP gas will burn hotter than the regular gas torches. Heat the down-elbow glowing red, let cool for a few seconds and try again. Repeat as necessary. Heat will normally loosen up rusted exhaust parts. You might tap on the down-elbow with a hammer after heating to help loosen the O2 sensor.

[Otto Man]

Where exactly should I apply the flame? Behind the sensor or in front, or around? Sweeping side to side? Where should the "glow" be?
Thanks for the hints...Home Depot on my way home!
Chris

[SVOeric]

you want the heat on the sides of the pipe -- close to the 'bung' that is screws into. try not to heat the O2 sensor itself... (you don't what that part to expand too)

be careful when working down in there while the pipe is hot -- there's not a lot of room, and you don't want to burn the crap out of yourself!

[Otto Man]

Thanx for the info!
Chris