How do I install oxygen sensor?

[SkylineDriven]

(repost cuz no one answered in the online mechanic forum)

Ok I'm a super newbie and I tried the search already.... I have an S13 240SX and I just received my NGK/NTK oxygen sensor (with OE connector).... how do I replace this thing. I have no idea where the oxygen sensor even is located... can anyone post pictures and a writeup of how to remove the old one and replace with new one? Keep in mind that im a total N00b, so don't make any assumptions of what I do and don't know hehe. Thanks in advance.

[IvoryJ30t]

ok, well first off your going to need an o2 sensor socket or an open wrench [get the socket so you dont break the sensor] [autoparts store- bring sensor so you get the right size o2 socket]

ok, now the fun part. open the hood. notice the engine. the exhaust manifold [probably has a shield, and gets real hot when the car is running]

somewhere along the exhaust manifold [where it comes off the engine] is the sensor. its screwed into the bottom of the exhaust manifold [i dont own a 240, but most motors have it here]

you will notice it. looks just like the new sensor, but is screwed into the exhaust.

your best bet is to spray some liquid wrench on the old sensor, and start the car. let it run for like 30 seconds to heat the manifold slightly and make the liquid wrench penetrate the corrosion.

unscrew the old sensor [is usually rusted in pretty good, hence the liquid wrench]

disconnect the harness [wires]

remove the plastic ring from the threads on the new sensor, and DO NOT get the silver anti-seize on the perforated part of the sensor.

place in exhaust bung, screw in and tighten to 25-30 ft/lbs.

another words, tighten till its snuggs, then a little more. its just staying in place, no need to tighten the crap out of it, because if you strip the manifold, your gonna be in a world of ****.

connect the harness like it was in the first place.

[Nathan]

What's this 02 socket I always hear of, I've always just used an open end wrench, works well for me

[IvoryJ30t]

i use a wrench to, but if your not gentle supposedly you can damage the sensor.

[SkylineDriven]

Ok... I'll look under the hood in the morning and see where everything is... I'll be sure to post in here after I look, just to make sure that I'm lookin at the right stuff. How much is liquid wrench? How does WD-40 compare?

[180fan]

o2 sensor tool is just a deep socket that's 22mm and has a long cut in the side that runs almost the entire depth of the well for the socket, this allows for the wire to be on the side of the sensor.

[pstickne]

I tried to use a O2 sensor socket--it wouldn't fit! (the engine is cramped with not enough space :>).

A general open-end wrench was fine although the angle is crazy. An angled wrench would be your best bet I think.

If the sensor doesn't already have it (is this possible?), remember to use anti-sieze.

[180fan]

yeah it's hard, i had to use the sensor socket, and take an open end wrench to the back part of the socket to turn it as a ratchet wouldnt fit in there.

[SkylineDriven]

Just looked at the sensor location... you guys are right.. that is a weird angle =/.. i'll see if i can do it this weekend after i buy some liquid wrench and the sensor socket.... anyone kno how much it would cost to buy them?

[180fan]

i think i bought mine for 12 bucks. It looks like a socket built for impact guns but has the cut on the side and the back of the socket has the hexagonal part so i can put a wrench over it.