New oxygen sensor tip got dirty-- how to clean?

[DaveInLA]

My uncle just bought a Bosch O2 sensor for his eta, but when it came in the mail, the plastic cap got loose and some of the anti-seize compound smeared on the tip. I know how important it is to keep that tip clean, and he's unsure of how to get the stuff off. Should he just wipe it off with a paper towel, or maybe use alcohol or WD40? Thanks.

[1991 318is]

Cleaning O2

Anti-sieze is usually petroleum based with zinc of some sort in it.
the only thing I have ever heard about cleaning O2 sensors is that you can't without ruining them. One site describes a way to do it.
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/Detailed/59.shtml
No guarantees.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

where did he buy it from? I would just try to exchange it for a good one, with a plastic cap secured so it doesn't happen again

[DaveInLA]

where did he buy it from? I would just try to exchange it for a good one, with a plastic cap secured so it doesn't happen again

He got it at autohauzaz.com

[chuckybob]

warranty ftw

[DJB]

I would wipe it off first, and then clean it with any reasonable solvent.

The oxygen sensor is zirconia. It operates in one of the harshest environments of your engine. Besides obvious mechanical damage the only thing that harms it is being coated by condensing metal vapors or the slow diffusion of molecules through the crystal. Seriously, this is pretty much like asking "how do I clean glass without dissolving it?"

[DaN]

Wipe it off, it'll be fine the tip is just a shield.

[DaveInLA]

When my uncle told me what had happened, the reason I was concerned is this article:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E30-O2_Sensor/E30-O2_Sensor.htm

[DaN]

I wouldn't worry about what that guy says. He recommends using vise grips, when a wrench can be used.
Torque should be more like 36 ft/lb, or 50 nm

[DaveInLA]

I actually followed the instructions on that very page when changing my O2 sensor a couple months ago. Vice grips worked pretty well.