Stripped O2 sensor

[Saeulf]

So, I figured I'd replace my oxygen sensor since I don't know when it was last done. I get down under the car (I have an '86 eta) and can't get it to budge. So I put a pipe over the wrench and am able to twist it out. I pull the sensor out to find all the threads gone and of course the new one won't thread in.

Should a shop be able to fix it fairly easily? Some other forums about other cars said it might be a cheap fix. I definitely don't want to have to get a new cat...

[ak-]

The o2 is not near the cat or plugged into it, so you don't need a new one regardless.
Are you absolutely sure it won't thread in?

Anyways, you can get a new bung welded on (they are like $10 max)
Or maybe re-threaded?

http://www.jayracing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6443&cPath=114_412_123&gclid=CKqrmeqLirUCFQhyQgod1GYAzg

[Saeulf]

I have an 'e' so the sensor is right next to the cat... And as far as I can tell, the pipe between the manifold and muffler is one piece. But having a bung welded on or re-threaded sounds like the way to go. Thanks!

I am going to call a couple places tomorrow and needed to know to expect. So much for a quick afternoon project.

[seatown88]

if the threads are not totally destroyed you can try to chase them using something like this....

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/LIS0/12230/N2379.oap?ck=Search_N2379_LIS_-1_-1&mn=Lisle&mc=LIS&pt=N2379&ppt=C1986

This tool can be found at most auto parts stores.

Make sure to use a little oil on the chaser while trying to restore the threads. I would attempt using the chaser before anything else.

[Saeulf]

Well, the sensor I pulled out was totally destroyed (I had to use a 4 ft pipe to make it budge). I'm pretty sure it's beyond a simple chasing of the threads.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[ak-]

I damn nearly forgot what a stock exhaust looks like now let alone remembered an E exhaust is single piped.

Good luck

[vert_this]

yeah a muffler shop is going to be your best bet in getting it quickly repaired.

[Saeulf]

Sweet, thanks all.

I prefer to know what I need when going to a shop to prevent them from convincing me I need to replace extraneous stuff.

[Saeulf]

Just had a new bung welded in. The shop attempted to re-tap the threads, but that wasn't going to happen...

[seatown88]

Glad you got it fixed easily! Now make sure to put a dab of anti-seeze on your new O2 sensor, if you/the shop haven't already,so you don't have to go through this with your new bung;)

[vert_this]

Glad you got it fixed easily! Now make sure to put a dab of anti-seeze on your new O2 sensor, if you/the shop haven't already,so you don't have to go through this with your new bung;)

just DO NOT get it on the tip of the 02 cause it will be a premature dead.

[Saeulf]

Right. Although, the shop put it in, so I'll just hope for the best. I actually think all the o2 sensors I've seen (3 or 4) have all come with the paste on the threads.