Oxygen O2 Sensor Replacement

[kish-81]

Hello fellow Bull owners,

I just finished a search in this forum - didn't really see my questions posted - anyway...

My Taurus does not idle very well when warm - it will stutter occationally. I was thinking of replacing the O2 sensors, as they were relatively cheap at Advance Auto (less than $45 each for Bosch) I had the head gasket replaced in the spring, as it blew big time. I did get the check engine light when the gasket blew, but it has been several months & no light.

1) My gas mileage is only 22 highway - used to get 26. Some of you always recommend to change the O2 sensors when the head gasket blows, but I'm not seeing codes - what's your opinion, worth my while to try to get better mileage? FYI - plugs changed at 30K & 60K; new wires, rotor & cap; new fuel filter; air filter OK, etc...

2) I was under the car tonight - how the hell do you get these out, especially the rear? I'm afraid if I buy these, I won't be able to get the old ones out. What is the technique?

3) I'm also getting a somewhat strong wiff of gas when I get out of the car & sometimes in the car itself - this could also be an issue with poor gas mileage - your thoughts, guesses or smart-a$$ comments are always welcome!

Dave

[madness_spirit]

they are pretty straight forward. You just find them get a big wrench to take them off, then put the new ones in. if they are rusted they might be a little tough, at worst use a propane torch to heat the pipe if you are having trouble getting them off

[kish-81]

The rear O2 sensor is really recessed - I doubt that I can get a wrench on it. Can't use a socket, unless I cut the cable, but then I'm not sure how I would tighten the new one. Front one I might be able to get a wrench onto it. Any other tips for what tools other people have used?

[SableOHC]

There is a special socket tall enough to fit over the O2 sensor. It has a slot for the wire.

I hope it's easier to get to the connectors on your Gen2. It is not easy on the Gen 3 Duratec.

[kish-81]

Thanks SableOHC!

I did some Google searches & found the socket you mentioned - here's a link for one:

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd3259.html

If the link doesn't work, do a search on "oxygen sensor socket" & you'll get lots of hits.

I hope to get one this weekend & replace both sensors.

[wingzwin]

A Crowfoot Wrench and the O2 Socket worked best for me on my Gen 3 tec

[achang1]

check your fuel system to make sure there isnt a leak somewhere. you know how rubber can get.

[fdogg96]

This thread is like 4 years old....

[darthenstein]

whoa...I was just reading this now and it's still helpful!!!111oneone

[animex2]

yeah, i just replaced my O2's a few days ago. I tried using a wrench and a propane toarch with no luck.

finally went to autozone and got a crowsfoot for 10 bucks, came off about 10 seconds later with minimal effort, def. worth the money for it.