oxygen sensor anyone?

Cataplum! · 07-14-2007, 06:22 PM

so i have to replace the oxygen sensor in my 84 celica. i did some research on it. i havent pulled it out yet, but i think my sensor has only one wire, just cuz it was made in the 80's. if i put a 3 wire sensor on there, would the heater for the sensor work? it just sounds like having a 3 wire (or 4) sensor is better than 1. any info would be helpful.

katmetal · 07-14-2007, 08:50 PM

Your wiring harness will only have 1 lead or possibly 2 going to the sensor. Only the correct type will work, as that is what is designed for this model. there is no need to modify it, basically all the 80's vintage cars used that setup; 1 single wire sensor near the exhaust manifold.

My advice on removing it; It is probably rusted/frozen in there very tight, so when the engine is cool, spray the sensor (thread area) w/ PB Blaster & tap on it a few times to work it into the threads. Use the correct O2 sensor type socket or a good 6 point wrench if there is room.

Worst case scenario is that the threads will pull out when you remove it, in which case you will have to replace that section of exhaust, but if you go at it easy & spray it as I mentioned, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Good Luck!

mattslope · 07-14-2007, 11:23 PM

The O2 sensor socket is needed because it has a gap cut down the side to allow the wire somewhere to go while tightening/loosening. Autozone usually allows you to borrow the socket for free.

You don't have to replace the exhaust if you strip it out, though. Heating the exhaust up with an acetylene torch will usually allow you to back the O2 sensor out, but as katmetal already noted, by following his/her guidelines you likely won't end up stripping one anyway.

katmetal · 07-15-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Heating the exhaust up with an acetylene torch

True; I just didn't want to recommend open flame around the engine, & many folks don't have a torch available anyway.

Quote:

but as katmetal already noted, by following his/her guidelines you likely won't end up stripping one anyway.

"His"; I am a guy! (why does everyone wonder about that?) Is "katmetal" a girlie name, lol?

mattslope · 07-15-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katmetal

"His"; I am a guy! (why does everyone wonder about that?) Is "katmetal" a girlie name, lol?

lol kthxbai!

Symbiotic · 07-15-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katmetal

True; I just didn't want to recommend open flame around the engine, & many folks don't have a torch available anyway.

here's an idea do heat it up: run the engine for a few minutes....i don't think that would be a problem

Quote:

"His"; I am a guy! (why does everyone wonder about that?) Is "katmetal" a girlie name, lol?

my advice, get used to it...you are evidently fairly new here....once people learn who you are it'll stop happening...it happens to anyone without a clear "boy/man/girl/gal/gender specific name" user name

Cataplum! · 07-16-2007, 08:36 PM

alright thanks for your input guys. ill probably post back if i have problems taking it out.