Hey everyone! On my 86 firebird, I tried on removing the o2 sensor from the exhaust pipe near the cat. converter. I have to replace it because the wire attached to the sensor literally came out and thats probably why I am getting the code 44 (lean exhaust). So now I am try to remove it, but its like rusted in and it wont budge. I tried spraying wd-40 on it but no luck. It said in manual that the exhaust pipe has to be at a certain temp. for it to come out easily. So I let the car run like a few minutes but still wont loosen. I dont want to force it too much. Any tricks or suggestions on getting this sucker out? Also, is it bad if I let the engine run w/o the sensor connected? Thanks

 

Try some good penetrating oil and let it sit over night. Or just try a hand torch and get it pretty hot so you will have good expansion. Also do you have an o2 sensor socket? if not you should get one before you try installing the new sensor.

 

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. But is it safe to let the engine run without the o2 sensor hooked up? Thanks

 

It will run, But it will run like crap because the ecm will start setting off error codes for the o2 sensor.

 

You'll probably kill the cat, the exhaust is showing lean to the ECM so it's trying to correct by adding fuel, so it'll be rich as heck.

 

if you can get access to a torch that would be the easiest way just heat up around the o2 sensor and screw it out

 

Thanks for the suggestions...in fact, i just got it out 10 mins and go and replaced it..woo! I soaked it with the penestraing oil for 3 hours, then warmed up the engine for 10 mins, then used a long tube for leverage and got it out...That was my xmas gift...lol

 

make sure you use antisieze the new ones usually alredy have it on them but make sure

 

Yup, I put anti-seize on the new one.