Question about size of o2 sensor-to-header fitting

[mattd1979]

I need to remove the fitting that the o2 sensor is screwed into that in turn screws into the header. I can't seem to get the sensor out on the passenger side of my Q to replace it. So I decided that I would remove it by removing the fitting that it is screwed into. The problem is that I don't have a socket that is deep enough or large enough to fit it. Can somebody that has a VH45 that is out of the car or a header off of one, if you could measure it for me so that I would know what size socket or wrench I will need to get, that would be awesome.

Many thanks,

Matt

[elwesso]

i wouldnt do that..

The best way to get the passenger side is to use a regular 7/8 crows foot wrench from the bottom, comes right out.

any attempt Ive used to try and get the o2 sensor out using a regular o2 sensor socket has been unsucessful

[Chrispy300]

Yep crows foot, or knock the top of the O2 off with a crowbar or similar then use a normal socket. Works well on TT Z32's.

[elwesso]

thats a pretty good idea knocking off the top and just using a 7/8 socket or wrench... never thought about that, and the BFH is always something fun to break out in a "constructive" manner.

[mattd1979]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'll try to see if I can find a crows foot end wrench and try that. Hopefully there is still enough corner left on the sensor for the wrench to bite a hold of. Elwesso, Do you remember where you got the crows foot wrench? I don't want to buy the wrong length if there is one longer then another unless it is a standard size. I have a crows foot o2 sensor wrench. Of course just like all the other o2 wrenches, it would just expand and slip around the sensor.

The link below is to a picture of a set of crows foot wrenches. Is that what your talking about?

http://marquisig.com/eshop/images/10%20 ... Wrench.jpg

or do you mean something like an offset box wrench as pictured in the link below?

http://www.rapidparts.com/Catalog/081-RP9248200.jpg

[elwesso]

its the first one... thats what I have, i got it at like menards or lowes.. something local

[mattd1979]

I'd be afraid that would do the same as the o2 sensor sockets. Expand on the end and round the corners like an open end wrench. I wonder if somebody makes a 6 point box end like that. Then I wouldn't have the problem of the metal flexing like is common on an open end wrench. I guess I can try snapping the top off and using a deep well socket but then I'm afraid that after doing that, I still can't get it out and now I have a hole in the exhaust. That's why I was thinking about taking out the reducer fitting. For one, it has a thicker surface area then the original sensor has so there is less chance for the corners to round with the socket.

[Chrispy300]

I've only heard of one O2 sensor getting seized so bad that it couldn't be removed while in the car. That was on a TT Z and they get a hell of a lot hotter than a Q. Drown it in the WD40/RP7/INOX or whatever you guys use over there the night before you plan to do it. Makes it a lot easier.

[karay240]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... up_ID=1448

Have yet to find anything that works better. These will not spread and round off the hex.

You can get creative w/ a Universal joint (see below) and an extension or two.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog