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Date:         Sun, 30 Aug 1998 00:40:46 -0400
Reply-To:     "Joe L." <jliasse@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Joe L." <jliasse@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1984 Vanagon O2 Sensor Removal ?
Comments: To: DKSandA@AOL.COM, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <c867565e.35fa843a@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I just removed a stubborn O2 from my 83.5. I asked for suggestions on the list as you have and recieved many but nothing worked and I succeded only in rounding the "nut" on the sensor. I finally got mad as hell at it and resolved that either it, or me, was going to end up in the trashcan withing 24 hours. I removed the section of exhaust pipe that holds the sensor so I could get a really good crack at it. Having removed the pipe I sprayed the inside of the pipe around the botttom of the sensor with "JB BLASTER" (best penetrating oil I have found). I then took a thin chisel and hammered moderately around the joint where the "nut" on the O2 meets the pipe (this to widen the channel and get better access for the "JB BLASTER" to soak the threads from the top). I then hammered things around a little because that is what the can says to do to aid penetration. I let things soak for an hour and then proceeded to really hammer the sensor from the side; followed by more "JB" and more hammering and another hour wait. Grabing my pipe wrench and a three foot cheater bar (old peice of pipe stuck on the end of the wrench for more leverage) I tried to take it off, no go. Enter the propane torch. I purposly broke off the top of the sensor in order to leave nothing but the "nut" to heat. I heated up the nut and the area around it and then took a small bowl of ice water and stuck the nut only into the ice water on the theory that this would leave the pipe hot and expanded while cooling and contracting the nut. While the pipe was still hot and the nut cold I hammered some more; followed by more "JB" and more hammering. Sensing that the moment of truth had arrived I looked around to make sure that my 6 year old grandson was not within earshot (I know how I get at times like this) then I reached for the pipe wrench and the cheater bar. Mustering every muscle I could bring to bear I set to. IT MOVED!!!!! VICTORY!!!!!! I still needed the cheater bar to finish removing it. Even while it was turning it fought me every step of the way but it DID come out and the pipe threads were intact. Afterwards; standing and gazing at the defeated foe I could not bring myself to throw away the sensor that had fought so bravely for so long. It now resides in my toolbox as a sort of "war trophy".

I hope yours comes out easier that mine but if push comes to shove this is what finally worked for me.

Good Luck!!

> To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM > Subject: 1984 Vanagon O2 Sensor Removal ? > > > Can anyone offer suggestions for getting an old, stubborn O2 > sensor out so I > can install a new one? I have tried WD-40 and a hammer, still > won't budge. > Is it ceased in their permanently? Thanks for any help. Doug >


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