yes you should be using a o2 sensor socket, this is what i have

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

or this i guess, found this while searching

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

 

torch vote here

 

go to advance or auto zone, get a o2 sensor socket for like $11, get a couple impact universal joints, and use the impact wrench. for anyone that says it cant be done, ask me how i came up with that formula.

 

do not use an impact gun on it, you will either pull out the threads in the pipe or you will round off the sensor making it impossible to remove

 

Yep - I wouldn't want to chance it with an adjustable wrench.

 

I had problems removing mine a couple years ago, and running the car for 10 or 15 minutes to heat up the exhaust system did the trick.

 

Yes, I would suggest running the car for 10-15 minutes and then try taking the O2's out. I heated mine up with a torch, and wrecked all of them. Do not do this, and if you do use a torch, use minumal heat otherwise 400-500$ to get 4 new O2's. GOod luck

 

Use a 6-point box wrench or an "O2 sensor" socket. An open-end wrench would seem to be about the worst possible choice.

As noted, heat is your friend.

If you slather the sensor with penetrating oil, plan on replacing it, and not reusing it. If the solvent gets into the reference air space on the inside if the sensor thimble, it will destroy it.

 

Yeah it takes heat, I had to take mine to the exhaust shop to get it out. They torched it for a long time to get it out.

 

Is he removing to replace or is he just removing for fun?

Even so I you wanna try to keep the torch on the exhaust part and not the o2 itself. The o2's see serious heat all the time.

 

I'm replacing it with a new one so damage to the o2 doesn't concern me.

But, I do not have access to a torch nor do I want to buy one for this one purpose.

 

I used a flare nut wrench. 6 sides and a slot for the wire!

Why not cut off the wires and jut use a deep socket on it?

 

$400-500.... maybe from a dealer. A GM parts discounter should have all 4 for about $270 shipped.

 

To buy a torch, unless you get a mini backpack style one, they can run you about $3-$500. Plus $200 for each tank (oxygen / propane or acetylene). They do sell backpack style ones but try running the car and using a socket or O2 Socket. Cheapest way of going.

 

that's what I was thinking? who cares if you wreck it getting it out, just get the thing out - use sockets, end wrenches, vise grips, whatever gets that sucker out of there - you might be able to get enough heat from a Home Depot propane set up, "might" - good luck and may the force be with you