oxygen sensor removal tips?

[profbooty]

I've been PB blasting my o2 sensor 2x a day for the past 5 days before even trying to remove it. Got a 22mm wrench and put a 3 foot long metal pipe on the end. The wrench is turning but the sensor isn't. I hope I haven't rounded the sensor too much.

Any tips? Pelican parts writeup says to use vice grip plyers but I didnt have much success with those either. They also mentioned that there didnt appear to be enough clearance for an 02 sensor socket.

[SpecM]

drive the car a bit to warm the pipe up, maybe that will loosen it

and when you re-install the new one, but a little anti-seize on the threads and save yourself the trouble next time ;)

[jlevie]

If PBlaster soaking on the threads for 5 days didn't work, the next step is to hit the fitting with an oxy-acetylene torch and get it dull red. The sensor should then come out using moderate force.

[SpecM]

if the head is a bit stipped, go to your local auto parts store and rent a O2 sensor tool. It looks/works like a flared pipe wrench, only it looks like a bit socket. It will bit the head better than an open-ended wrench.

[profbooty]

I got a real o2 sensor tool, but i had to hammer the thing on with one of my bodywork tools and place a 4 foot long metal pipe ontop of the breaker bar to get it off,

the new one went in easily coated with neversieze and some pb blast on the treads in the downpipe

[txtorquemade]

I have just had the same experience. I even got the Bav Auto special O2 sensor socket. If flared out and stripped. Then got stuck on the sensor. I took it to a Indy shop and they got the socket off, and mangled my sensor.

Will the exterior of the sensor being bent some effect it's function? It STILL isn't screwed all the way in. The shop couldn't seem to get it right either.

Man this is a pisser. I've never had such trouble with removing a nut, or bolt. I dont have a torch to use, but I guess that might be the trick to getting one off, but how do you get a new one IN all the way? I used some lube, PB blaster and all that as well.

[xwill112x]

just use excessive force all at one intstant. like a quick hammer blow, that should knock her loose.

[txtorquemade]

just use excessive force all at one intstant. like a quick hammer blow, that should knock her loose.

I dont see how you can get to it to execute that lil maneuver. At least from the top.

[guibo09]

impact wrench with a deep 22mm socket?

[Sagaris]

I have only had an issue removing an oxygen sensor once, not on an e30. I must not have had the proper size wrench or couldnt get the wrench on there because I just clamped some vice grips down real hard on the body of it and rotated it. Tacky, but it worked.

[ortholithiation]

Smoke wrench, or cut it off and use impact driver with a 22mm socket.

[iwantspeed]

on my e with the exhaust off the car and on the garage floor i still had trouble removing the sensor.

it was pratically welded on to the exhaust.
I got a o2 sensor wrench and went to town with a cheater bar while my friend held the exhaust in place.