Bucyrus

94 E420 and O2 sensor will not budge! Any Ideas? I am using a sensor socket wrench on it. I thought maybe Heat? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Many Thanks,
Bill

shdoug

Put a propane torch on the pipe where the sensor is screwed in for about 20-30 seconds, not on the sensor itself. The heat will expand the threaded area of the pipe and you should be able to back the sensor out. Put the socket on the sensor as soon as you remove the torch.

GEDaggett

Having owned and worked on junk most of my life i have had this problem a dozen times. If you haven't already gotten it off here is my suggestion. The propane is good but if you have someone with Oxygen/acetylene it is much faster. You gotta get the O2 sensor red hot (literally until it glows, careful not to melt it.) this will burn off the rust and corrosion that has seized it and soften the metal on the sensor. Use a impact grade socket and the biggest breaker bar that will fit under the car and wrench it off (the purpose of the largest possible breaker bar is not for massive brute force but greater force with more control, you don't necessarily want to just pull as hard as you can. leverage is an amazing thing). If that doesn't work the first time then get it red hot then spray it off with a water bottle. repeat that once or twice and then try and wrench it off then. the combination of heat and cold expands and shrinks the metals and breaks the bonds. If that doesn't work just take it to the muffler shop.

Hope that helps

Bucyrus

Thanks guys,
got it with the oxyacetyline!

Bill

tanktube67

Good