How to remove stubborn O2 sensor?

Question

I have tried heat, PB Blaster, vice-grips and an extender for more leverage. Nothing has worked and I am afraid to keep trying, due to the chance of stripping the sensor and being ****** in the end. Is there a way to drill it out?

Answer 1

when really tough situation come up like this. i actually cut, and grind down the sensor soo much, that I was able to put a regular socket in it and I got my impact gun to it. if you are working without a compressor. just cutting the wires, and hacking away at the sensor should be plenty to put a regular socket, from there a nice long cheater pipe should do it.

Answer 2

The previous answer is a good one.  If your o2 sensor is already messed up then it has to come out.  Unplugging it is no worse than it simply not working.

Cut the plug and wire off and slide a socket over it.  If that is not an option...then you need the longest combination box end/open end wrench you can find that will fit the sensor.  Let's say the sensor is 13/16.  Take your longest 13/16 and put the box end around the sensor.

Now, take the next size smaller of wrench (3/4 in this case) and put the box end in the open end of the 13/16.  Rotate the wrench until the jaw of the open end on the 13/16 rests against the shaft of the 3/4.  This is, basically, a cheater pipe for your wrench.

Also, if you can get at the nipple the sensor threads into and have a friend willing to help, put your tool and cheater pipe on the sensor and apply AS MUCH FORCE as you can to take it loose.  While you are prying on it have your friend hit the nipple (as close to the sensor as possible) with a hammer.  This should help shock the metal and force it to open up enough to allow the o2 sensor to break free.