Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Dan R
Active Member
At 108k mi I thought it a good idea to change the O2 sensors.
I barely passed the CA smog test. High HC at 15 mph. The technician recommended a new cat but I don't have the money for that. New sensors might work.
The trouble getting the wire connector off should have been a warning. The connector is buried behind the valve cover at the rear of the engine. I was able to disconnect by going in through the wheel well past the very small opening in the fender liner. I do not know how someone with beefy hands and arms would do it.
I used a sensor crows foot and wobbler extension on the sensor. A socket wrench, breaker bar and careful use of an air impact wrench had no effect.
One tip is to start the engine and warm up the exhaust pipe, this had no effect!
I used a MAPP torch to apply heat to the pipe. This worked!
Granted, after nearly 20 years I would expect them to be tight.
The LH sensor looks a lot easier though the connector is still buried behind the engine.
After the easy servicing of the heater blower motor (other vehicles I have had require dismantling the dash) it is disappointing that Ford made this so hard.
These vehicles also had 02 sensors angled for easy removal and well placed connectors.
I suppose there is little profit in designing 100k mi service items well. I should be buying a new truck!
I barely passed the CA smog test. High HC at 15 mph. The technician recommended a new cat but I don't have the money for that. New sensors might work.
The trouble getting the wire connector off should have been a warning. The connector is buried behind the valve cover at the rear of the engine. I was able to disconnect by going in through the wheel well past the very small opening in the fender liner. I do not know how someone with beefy hands and arms would do it.
I used a sensor crows foot and wobbler extension on the sensor. A socket wrench, breaker bar and careful use of an air impact wrench had no effect.
One tip is to start the engine and warm up the exhaust pipe, this had no effect!
I used a MAPP torch to apply heat to the pipe. This worked!
Granted, after nearly 20 years I would expect them to be tight.
The LH sensor looks a lot easier though the connector is still buried behind the engine.
After the easy servicing of the heater blower motor (other vehicles I have had require dismantling the dash) it is disappointing that Ford made this so hard.
These vehicles also had 02 sensors angled for easy removal and well placed connectors.
I suppose there is little profit in designing 100k mi service items well. I should be buying a new truck!
