Hey guys,

I'm trying to replace my o2 sensor on my 91 360. The o2 sensor socket won't go on the the old sensor. It appears there's a flange on the manifold around the sensor and my socket is too thick to get on there. In my infinite wisdom I listened to a friend who suggested I cut the wires off the old one and try to get a thin walled deep well on it, and that was a no-go. So now I'm running around with the 02 sensor disconnected, she seems to be running fine but I'd like to get this problem fixed. Is there a special thin walled socket made for these or is the manifold going to have to come off? Any help or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

i havnet replaced an O2 sensor on that model ram before so im not sure how tightly constrained you are as far as getting a socket or wrench on it...but if you can heat up the O2 sensor with a torch (oxy/acetylene would work best ) that might help to get it loose ...just a thoght

 

Yeah. Its a b****. I just bought an o2 sensor socket the other day to try to get on there. The borrowed one I was using was too thick. This one looks thin enough, but its too shallow.

 

I think I understand your problem as a lip that sticks up on the boss that the O2 sensor screws into. My special socket is thick also but it is tapered down on the very end and the taper allows it to get by the lip. I guess you could grind the outside of a thick socket on the end to achieve that slight taper.

 

That's exactly my problem, what brand of socket do you have? I just borrowed one from a friend so I don't want to modify his. He suggested maybe I look to snap-on for a thinner walled 02 sensor socket.

Thanks

 

It's a real booger, tried getting at it from multiple angles and no luck. It's located on the bottom of the drivers side exhaust manifold.

 

Yeah, I was hoping someone would chime in and say you just need a special socket and where to get it. Damn the luck I was expecting this to be an easy 30 minute job.

 

I just went to look and the only markings on the socket are 7/8 USA and it is flat black. It also has a hex head on it around the ratchet hole so that you can use a ratchet or a wrench for close quarters when there is no head space. I have had it for a long time and have no idea where I bought it. Sorry I guess I'm getting old.

 

Thanks for looking Seal, I do appreciate it. I just got back from the local NAPA and CarQuest and of course no luck both of the sockets they had were thick walled. I did find a sunex one that looks like it may work but I'm not sure. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9093_200379093 I guess my options are probably 1. try the sunex. 2. buy a thicker one and shave it down 3. tear the manifold off and have more access. 4. take it somewhere and have it done.

 

That one from Northern looks like it will work fine. You can always taper it if it is still too large but it looks right. It is the same size and length as mine.