[TurboSi]

I purchased a replacement Oxygen sensor for my 1981 ZXT and have the special deep well socket designed for installing them. However, it is not the same size as the sensor that is in the car - one that somewhat smaller than the replacement. I assume that the one in the car is the original and is probably metric. Does anyone know what mm this sensor might be and/or have any advice as to how best to get one of them to break loose? Thanks

 

[JR]

I usually drown the threads in any kind of spray lubricant the night before I want to work on it. And I mean drown — like do it when you turn the car off, before dinner and once more after the 10 o'clock news. (Don't start the car or it will all boil off.) Then don't worry about saving the old one. The special socket is just for the new one, don't try removing old one with it or you risk messing it up. In fact, I usually end up knocking the head off the old one so I can get a regular socket on it.

The last one I did, somehow I kept crossthreading the new sensor every time I'd try to start it. Before I totally screwed it up, I went down and at large expense, bought a tap to chase the threads. I now do this as a matter of course. Hey, it's cheaper than a new exhaust manifold. (Sorry, don't remember the thread size, take the new one with you and match it.) Don't forget to grease the threads of the new one with that special gray stuff supplied so you can get it out someday.

 

[TimZman]

PB Blaster and some vise grips will get it off.

 

[TurboSi]

Got the PB Blaster, but the sensor on this Turbo ZX doesn't seem accessible enough for the use of vice-grips. Know what metric sized socket it takes?

 

[TurboSi]

As information, I am PB Blasting the sensor now. Have purchased the 22 mm deep well socket to remove it, and plan to grind a groove in the 1/2 inch extension to facilitate the sensor wire. If I knew it would come out I wouldn't bother with this step, but am not entirely confident that a.) there is anything wrong with the sensor, and b.) it will, in fact, cooperate and come out.