Another consistent code reading has been that the O2 sensor is faulty or out of range.
I have a replacement but was unsure wether or not the reading was just related to other engine factors or if it was in fact the sensor.
I finally found the location of the sensor today and put a socket down in to try and twist it out. I got it over top of it and just touching it made the sensor snap in half. The top just fell right off without any force. So i'm assuming that it was completely toast, literally. I consider this to be excellent news since that means there some explanation to some remaining symptoms.
The remaining part of the old sensor, if i'm interpreting correctly, is the hex base of it. It's about 21mm but maybe 20mm. It's not a standard O2 hex size. The 21mm wants to slip so i'm picking up a 20mm tomorrow to test. I'm pretty worried about this breaking apart when i try to turn it. I'd almost rather it not budge at all than break apart and leave a hole in the Y pipe.
I know if i left it in place that means committing to drilling and welding a new O2 bung right by it. Sounds like a nightmare because i'd probably have to take out the Y pipe to do this since it includes welding and access down there is horrible. And i know removing the flange bolts to manifolds to remove Y pipe will not be a nice time.
But i'm going to give the sensor a real shot with PB Blaster and the 20mm socket. If i can get it to twist, it'll be a big victory. There's just enough room for me to slip my arm in above the cad converters and have a modest size wrench in there. I might be able to hook up an extension bar and gain lot of leverage from the side of the truck.
I know that temperature also comes into play. If it were more accessible I'd torch it a good long while first.
The only way to truly gain access is to remove the cad's/exhaust and then there'd be space to get a torch in there and also much better leverage with tools.
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