Are y'all removing your O2 sensors repeatedly to troubleshoot doing so on cars with headers?
I have the OEM manifolds and my passenger side defies removal, after removing the starter, heating it up, soaking in PBblaster and using O2 sockets. Didnt pull the Y-pipe because with the starter out, I got some leverage; the sensor sits deep and it is hard to get the socket on fully...
Now it is halfway rounded-off. Any tips? Thankfully the car runs good, and I got the driverside in easily, but want to put the other new Denso in...
At least I got new plugs in while down there!

 

you could try putting some wax on the base of it where it starts to thread into the exhaust when you heat it up. It stripped with the socket huh? Dang it must be stuck haha. Thats why the only time I replace 02's is if they go bad.

 

yep, glad it is just of unknown age; seems to work fine...
never thought of wax, tks

 

Ive never used it but ive been told it helps lubricate the threads to help coax a stuck bolt, or in this case 02, out.

 

Make sure to use a 6 point socket, the 12 point will round off the soft metal on the sensor.

 

tks. indeed the rental from auto zone was 6 sided, but the sensors ARE soft... and that location makes getting the socket down fully really tough.

likely havta destroy the old O2 to remove it, but the car is running good and if I pass MD smog, it likely stays. maybe Tim Tebow can get it out!

 

long tubes make it so easy............

7/8 wrench and as long as the car isn't lowered, you can reach underneath without jack stands or ramps. Seriously, it takes about 3 minutes as long as the headers aren't red hot.

Always use anti-seize when re-installing