This is why I don't like gas cars. (my Subaru XT) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

derburger · #1 05-12-2009, 12:01 AM

This is my 1986 Subaru XT's original oxygen sensor that used to be 22mm before I tried replacing it. I had bought one of those oxygen sensor sockets that are 22mm with a few mm slice in them for the oxygen sensor wire in an effort to replace it.

After soaking the oxygen sensor in PB blaster for a long time, I tried to remove the sensor with that socket and a breaker bar, the socket flexed at the slice and rounded the oxygen sensor bolt.

I kept trying, it rounded more.

I think what I should have done in the first place was use a cut off wheel on half of the sensor and use a regular impact socket, after applying a torch to the area and soaking the threads in PB blaster. That's what I think I'll try next... even if I have to JB weld the socket on there.

The XT does run fine with the sensor disconnected, the sensor was failing anyway. The amount of sensors in this thing, the primitive ECU, diagnosing things, all a pain compared to my MB. The 80's ECU will flash a LED and you replace whatever is throwing that code.

Anyway, anybody have a better idea on how I can get this bungled oxygen sensor out?

Ara T. · #2 05-12-2009, 12:03 AM

Vice grips?

WVOtoGO · #3 05-12-2009, 12:12 AM

ViseGrips come to mind here, too.

Next time: If it’s bad. Cut the wires.
1/2 inch drive 6 point deep well. Grind two flats on the socket for an open end and tap that with a ball-peen hammer.

-Darby

iwrock · #4 05-12-2009, 12:15 AM

x3 on ViceGrips.

That, or get another hole drilled, have it tapped, and install new o2 sensor

pawoSD · #5 05-12-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

Vice grips?

I thought "vice grips" as soon as I saw the pic....then I scrolled down.

Vice grips are a magical tool!!

derburger · #6 05-12-2009, 12:40 AM

My old worn vice grips from the 70's didn't do much good when I tried them on that bolt, then I tried big pliers, no go either, the oxygen sensor is basically welded in there by rust. It's going to take a lot of torching, PB blaster, cursing to remove that sensor. I'll have to go pick up a new pair of vice grips, and not from Harbor freight, where I got that socket...

wbain5280 · #7 05-12-2009, 01:08 AM

Use a 22mm closed end wrench and another larger one to use a leverage to turn it. It will come out. You can also blast the thread area with liquid CO2, or another cold product stored at room temp as a liquid.

mpolli · #8 05-12-2009, 01:31 AM

That thing has a carb on it right?

Ara T. · #9 05-12-2009, 01:51 AM

They're EFI afaik. Sweet looking cars!

Ara T. · #10 05-12-2009, 02:27 AM

You would think they'd make a pair of vice grips with loooong handles so you can get easily have more leverage... anyone know of such a thing?

David Wilson · #11 05-12-2009, 06:23 AM

You should remove the sensor when it is hot. Run the car, or put a torch to it. Always works for me.

veggihatetank · #12 05-12-2009, 07:30 AM

ditto on using a torch on the surrounding manifold, The heat will cause the exhaust manifold to expand a bit and will help you be able to remove the sensor .

pawoSD · #13 05-12-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derburger

My old worn vice grips from the 70's didn't do much good when I tried them on that bolt, then I tried big pliers, no go either, the oxygen sensor is basically welded in there by rust. It's going to take a lot of torching, PB blaster, cursing to remove that sensor. I'll have to go pick up a new pair of vice grips, and not from Harbor freight, where I got that socket...

Perhaps its time to support those USA workers and go pickup a brand new shiny pair of vice grips!

They're only like $15 for the genuine ones from Irwin....