O2 Sensors

[huskyfan23]

Hey, I'm looking into getting new O2 sensors. Where's a good place to get them other than the dealer? Will I need specific sensors for my year/gen or are they all universal?

 

[NOTAJP]

You can get them at any auto parts store. Schucks is a good place to get them. In a '94 you should only have one O2 sensor. There are universal ones out there but then you have to splice the wires. Only a few bucks cheaper.

 

[huskyfan23]

Never thought of trying Schucks, though o2 sensors are pretty basic. I haven't checked on my stock Y-pipe, but my header Y-pipe has 2 holes, I have EGR if that matters. Anyways, have a recommended brand?

 

[NOTAJP]

Bosch has always been good for me and I trust their products. Schucks only carries Bosch. I'm not sure what NAPA carries. Wouldn't think it would matter to much. I trust Autozone about as far as I can throw rocks at them. (my opinion only).

 

[IgotTwo]

I replaced O2 in my stock 94 XLT with Bosch over the counter from NAPA. No problems....made a difference with at 90K ...no splicing... no hassles... I'm not sure about your header arrangement.
My price was around $50?
A six side 7/8 box and a good soaking with penetrating oil came out fine.

 

[Rhett]

A 1994 Explorer has 2 O2 Sensors. It's recommended that you change both at once so they wear evenly.

 

[IgotTwo]

Right you are...
My mistake - "igottwo" on the 94 and "ididtwo"
"igotfour" on the 97

 

[woodychitwn]

Originally posted by IgotTwo
A six side 7/8 box and a good soaking with penetrating oil came out fine.

Isn't there a special tool you're supposed to use specifically made for the O2 sensor? Or does it really not matter?

 

[NOTAJP]

My mistake on the '94s, now I know. 91-93 only had one. There is a special tool, but you can get away with a crow's foot, or open box wrench, or even (dare I say) pipe wrench.

 

[Rhett]

There are special O2 sensor sockets that have a notch cut in the side of them for the wire.

But really it's not necessary. If you cut the wire, you can use a regular socket. Then unplug the wire you cut from the harness. Just make sure you don't want to re-use the O2 sensor if you cut the wire.

 

[IgotTwo]

There many different style tools - deep sockets with a slit for the O2 wire .... flat wrench types and so on....you can also clip the wire and use a xtra deep socket ....or whatever etc

My Personal Preference:
I use a 7/8 six sided open end/box because:
It is six sided and you can whack it and it will not (should not) walk around the O2.

I also have a 97 It is tight to get at em...ie little room to use a deep socket type tool

It seems I can get more and better angles from a a box\ open end wrench.

A box wrench, I can use for other things ie part of my normal wrenches (I need more speciality tools! )
.... and..
I can disconnect the O2 and slip the connector through the box end and not start off like a barbarian by cutting the O2 wire from the get go.

there are many options....

PS Tie a string to the O2 and fish it down from the top of the engine ..keep the plastic shipping cap on when you do it. You won't be looking for the connector end under the car when you can't get it in the first time.

Let the thing soak in penetrating oil too...the good stuff!
Walk away from it and let it do its work. I have been know to wrap aluminum foil around the pipe and O2 to to keep the stuff where I want it.....as in ...not to use 1/2 a can....on the garage floor ...in my eyes ... the dog's eyes .....etc hahaa
Did someone mention to use anti-seize carefully with the new one?

You'll make it work ...you'll be proud when you are finished.