O2 sensor removal

[PICKUP6772]

Hey guys,
I did a Search, before anybody chimes in. And I didn't find what I was looking for. What has been the best way, in your opinion, to remove the 02 sensors in a 5.0 stock box body? My 89 GM has just over 182,000 miles on her, 70,000 of which I put on, and have as far as I know never had the sensors replaced. I got a set from ROCK AUTO for 32 dollars for the pair. KEM brand, which in my own experience is an awesome brand. Anyhow, as some of you know, some dipshit engineer put them in a very bad spot. I guess it was the easiest way to combine 60's engineering with 80's technology. Anyway, I've given her a full tune-up, checked all the vacuum lines, and changed the EGR valve, and sensor. The timing is spot on, and the IAC, and TPS are working in spec. I still have an off idle stumble, and my fuel mileage has dropped. The other day, I found out just how important O2 sensors are. We had a 2003 Chevy express 2500 Passenger van, with a 6.0 in our shop. The whole left bank was missing like crazy. The first guy who got it, just put a bottle of fuel cleaner in it, and sent it on it's way. 1/2 hour later it comes back, and is given to me. For gits, and shiggles, I put the scanner on it , and BOTH l/s o2 sensors are dead in the water. ! hour, and 2 new sensors later, it's running like new!!! Anyhow, if someone can give me advice on this, I would appreciate it.
Thanks, Mike

[Lincolnmania]

i have a couple o2 sensor wrenches that i use to get to em, if that dont work, cut the old plug off and remove with the box end of a 7/8" wrench.......might need the assistance of the hot wrench to get them loose too........no boxes here at the moment with manifolds to show you how to get in there tho......i put headers on everything lol

[PICKUP6772]

Can't say I blame ya, Scott. I have a K-D sensor kit, but can't seem to get any close enough to get on the flats of the sensor. The curve of the manifold seems to be keeping the sockets from seating properly. And at this point, I don't want to cut the wires until I'm sure I can get the sensors out. Better slow sensors, than not to have a car at all. What I've been able to do on Dodge caravans, with the V-6, is cut the plugs, and zip them out with an impact gun, and 7/8" deep socket.
MIKE

[sly]

for my 88, I used 2 impact u-joints (1/2 inch and 3/8 inch with adapters) and extensions like a mad man to my breakover bar and a lot of cursing.

pics:
Driver side horrible angle:


Passenger side tough spot: (only one u-joint needed on this side)


Tools (better with 2x 1/2 u-joint - 1 pictured and enough extensions to get out of the engine bay):


The oxy sensor socket:

[PICKUP6772]

Like I said earlier Slymer, I have the complete K-D kit. And I have the cursing, screaming , and the ocasional tool throwing down pat (LOL!!)I need to get the car on the lift at work sometime next week for an overdue oil change. I'll see what everything looks like from underneath.

MIKE

[86VickyLX]

They come out easier if the manifolds are heated. Just don't burn yourself on the exhaust. If they're original, have fun.

[sly]

then you shouldn't have any more issues than I had, and I only have the one socket. I had to soak my sensors with pb blaster (on the 88). The sensors on the 93 came off no probs. but like I stated... the u-joint is a must at the socket. and 2 of them on the driver side. I had no issues seating that socket on the sensors. Just seat the socket... then drop everything else in on it.

I worked on mine cold since I prefer no burns and the spacers are a little too tight for my liking.

[85crownHPP]

I had a lift and plenty of tools to use and probably spent an hour fighting with the 'original' ones when I did the conversion to the 85, lol

Worst case, I hear removing the inner fenders makes it a lot easier, it's a good amount of extra work, but it's easy extra work compared to letting an O2 sensor get the best of you.

[johnunit]

just do what I did and replace the manifolds with 700+ dollars worth of headers and H-pipe.

[gadget73]

get a set of 90 Towncar tubular manifolds, change the O2 sensors out of the car, then change the manifolds. net result is something that may flow a little better, definitely weighs less, and IMO looks a bit nicer.

[1987cp]

Man, I'd forgotten how much the stock Panther O2 location sucks!!! What was Ford thinking?

[sly]

probably time to make another special tool or better to get people into the shop for service income.

[gadget73]

They were probably thinking "nobody will ever change these. The car will get junked before that sensor goes bad".

[86VickyLX]

then you shouldn't have any more issues than I had, and I only have the one socket. I had to soak my sensors with pb blaster (on the 88). The sensors on the 93 came off no probs. but like I stated... the u-joint is a must at the socket. and 2 of them on the driver side. I had no issues seating that socket on the sensors. Just seat the socket... then drop everything else in on it.

I worked on mine cold since I prefer no burns and the spacers are a little too tight for my liking.

Where are the O2 sensors on an Aero? Same place?

[sly]

pretty much. the passenger side is worse on the aero due to the proximity to the blower ducts. I ended up tearing some of the insulation with the new sensor since it was one of the fat bosch ones and not one of the skinny motorcraft ones.