bad o2 or no o2 which is worse?

[Guest korrupt66]

I tried to change a bad o2 sensor in my 93 subaru loyale and it can't get it to brake loose. So should I keep running it with a bad o2 sensor or none at all?

[Guest Legacy777]

The O2 sensor is an integral part of the engine's operation. Have you sprayed it down with penetrating lube real good? Leave it hooked up, but try to get it out and get a new one in.

[Guest PAezb]

Make sure you warm the exhaust up a bit, just don't burn yourself. Might help expand the fitting to get it loose - it did for me when I replaced my O2...

 

Paul

[Guest subyluvr2212]

What did you use to try to get it out?

 

I haven't changed my own O2 sensor, but I did on a friend's Jeep when it was completely cold.

 

Discount Auto Parts sells O2 sensor removal tools which are basically sockets with a large section cut out so you don't ruin the pigtail wire. That allows you to put a ratcheting wrench on it, and a pipe extension, if necessary...

[Guest PAezb]

If you disconnect the pigtail from the main harness before you start turning the O2 sensor you shouldn't have a problem. And I only replaced the forward O2,

but the rear should be as easy if not easier.

 

Hah, I used a 12" crescent wrench! I was able to jocky it better than an open end-wrench. Slipped it underneath the inner CV joint housing (green in color on my Outback) onto the Old O2, from the rear, passenger side, working above the engine bay. Seems to me I measured the hex body of the new O2 with a caliper, then set the crescent wrench to the caliper. And no, I didn't tighten the new O2 to spec, I don't even know what it is. I just snugged it down good.

 

I haven't replaced the rear O2 sensor, I see no point as the front one is the more important for the signals to the computer for fuel mixture adjustments - unless someone can tell me different....

 

Incidentally, I feel the new O2 replacement at 101K miles did make an improvement on the engine performance. A bit smoother and gas mileage gained back 1-2 mpg I lost in the previous 15K miles prior to replacement.

 

Paul

[Guest Legacy777]

his loyale will only have one O2 sensor.