Before I pose the actual question, I want to qualify it with this disclaimer:
I had back surgery in Dec and unfortunately my strength isn't near what it used to be.

Okay, so here's the deal. I bought an O2 sensor from DaveB and tried to install it yesterday (downstream, btw). The problem was, I just wasn't able to get the old one to budge.

I tried warming up the exhaust for a few minutes.
I tried PB Blaster.
I tried both.
Nothing.

Any ideas what else I could do? Thanks for your help.

 

Soak it with the PB blaster a few times and let it sit for a couple hours. If that does not help, you will probably need a torch to heat it up enough to remove.

 

I let the PB blaster soak in for awhile, then tapped on my wrench in both directions and it broke free. It doesn't help that there is little room to work.

 

I would heat it up cherry red and cool it with water. If that doesnt work heat it cherry red and remove it while hot but be prepared for the threads on the pipe to be ruined. You can get a spark plug thread chased for fairly cheap at an auto parts store so I suggest having it when you remove it just in case. If you don't use it then return it. Get someone to help you if your back is bad or if you may risk hurting yourself again.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm having lunch with a friend today that's been pretty good about helping me with issues on my other cars. Maybe he'd like to help me with this one. Maybe all the PB Blaster I sprayed on yesterday will help out today.

 

all of that stuff, plus try a bigger wrench.. or u can hook one wrench onto the back of the one you're using for more torque.. worked for my 02 sensor

 

Yeah, I had to bang the wrench pretty hard with a hammer. Just when I was about to give up, bingo

 

Thanks for the help guys. My friend was able to finally get enough torque on the sensor and get it loose. Obviously, the replacement was MUCH easier to get in.

Now comes the real test: Was that the only issue for the SES light?

 

sea foam did the trick for me.... definately had to let it soak in for a while though

 

they make a niffty tool to help get a good grip and leverage on the sensors, you can find it at auto parts stores around town

 

Nah. 22mm crescent wrench works better.

 

dont forget to use a little anti seize lubricant on the threads b4 u install it just in case you have to change it again at some point