[G8GT V2]

Common problem when installing headers is that the O2 sensors were installed by the factory without anti-seize and you may strip them when removing them - is it safe to use penetrating oil to try to remove them safely?

 

[LS1hawk]

Mixed results will probably be posted. Silicon based penetrating products will mess with the oxygen sensor if it soaks to the ceramic part. That said, I've had great success with a little PB Blaster pointed directly towards the threads. I've also had success removing them while the exhaust is hot, just be careful where your arms and hands touch.

 

[SlingShot]

My exhaust guy just heats them with a torch, and they come right out.

 

[JRLAKings]

With a 02 sensor tool, it should come right out. A little wd40/ pb blaster, a little tapping, will unseize those that are stuck. If not, I agree, heat. Either let the exhaust get hot, wont take more than a few minutes. Then just worry about breaking it loose. Let it cool off, then remove it completely.
Depending on location, it can be difficult to stick a torch for those stubborn ones. I have used mini and pencil torches (cheap o's from Harbor Freight). Takes several minutes to heat the sensor, but works fine.

 

[G8GT V2]

For some reason, it never occurred to me to heat up the sensor with a torch...

Learn something every day around here...

Thanks, folks!

 

[Joen6171b]

Dont heat the sensor, heat the pipe around the sensor....

 

[JRLAKings]

Dont heat the sensor, heat the pipe around the sensor....

Maybe I should clarify what I said.... Heat the nut section of the sensor, or thge protruding portion of the exhaust where the sensor threads onto. Not the body of the sensor.

 

[goldstar]

Where did I leave the WD-4? Oh yea, next to the acetylene torch set. lol

 

[rjcalif]

X2 on PB Blaster. It can loosen most anything. Stinks big time so make sure you have good ventilation.

 

[2074]

Dont heat the sensor, heat the pipe around the sensor....

Clarification:

This is the correct action.

Heat expands the pipe around the sensor threads.

If you heat the sensor or sensor nut it will just jam in tighter and direct heat may potentially damage it.

Using heat and cold to break loose stubborn things must be dying knowledge.

 

[rjcalif]

If only I had a nickel (okay $100) for every time my mom came home and yelled at me because I had connecting rods in her oven and wrist pins in the freezer. I always put two layers of cardboard on the living room carpet before cleaning parts and die grinding burrs while watching TV.

yep, I had an interesting childhood to say the least

 

[2074]

I remember like it was yesterday my father doing the once a year rebuild on the '68 wildcat quadrajet on the kitchen table with my mother yelling at him about it.

She also didn't like the cb750's chain in a pan filled with oil baking in the oven.