O2 sensor removal tool necessary?

[Ernest Hill]

i'm replacing my O2 sensor. do I need the special tool w/ the cut-out or is a wrench adequate? or, does anyone want to sell or lease a tool to me?

[John_AZ]

Mr. Hill, If you remove the sensor connection at the top rear firewall a large 7/8 inch box wrench can be slipped down to the exhaust pipe or just use a box wrench. The most important item is NOT to solder the new sensor in. Use wire connectors. See Clarks Garage for more info.

John_AZ

[onZedge]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

...If you remove the sensor connection at the top rear firewall a large 7/8 inch box wrench can be slipped down to the exhaust pipe or just use a box wrench...

That does work like a champ. Starting the car and letting it run 2-3 minutes from cold first will help in "breaking" the threaded connection. Use a dab of anti-seize on the threads when you install the new one.

[Ernest Hill]

i am familiar w/ Grant's garage, my questions extend outside the info there: i was planning to buy the original to keep it stock; if i go w/ the universal, how do i ID the correct wires (black on black, whites don't matter???) and how do i seal the wire after crimping to keep it adequately weatherproof; and where should i cut, nearer the sensor or connector?

[onZedge]

You are correct - black-on-black, whites don't matter as the sensor heater is an isolated circuit. Lay the Universal sensor next to the old OEM sensor. Cut the 3-pin plug end of the OEM sensor about 6-8 inches longer than the end of the Universal sensor wires. Strip about 1/4" insulation off the end of the OEM connector you are reusing. Slide a 4" long piece of 1/2" heat shrink tubing over one of the new cable ends. Crimp the new sensor/reused OEM plug wires with a ratcheting crimper or manual crimp tool (don't use plain ol' pliers here). Center the heat shrink over the joint and heat with a heat gun or lighter. If you use a lighter, hold the lighter next to the tubing and not under it or you'll have yourself a little fire. The wrench trick works just fine with the spliced together assembly. Now you're ready to rock.