"Somebody" > wrote in message
...
>
> "FoggyBottom" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 23:26:09 -0400, "Somebody"
> > > wrote:
> >
> > >It's a
> > >torch job to get it out at this point, no question.
> >
> > Yeah, I was half expecting that someone would say that. The damn
> > thing will prolly crap out next week, now that I've brought the
> > subject up.
> >
> > When you say "torch job" what exactly do you mean? Like you could
> > torque it out with a reasonable propane torch? Or are we talking
> > oxyacetalyene here? It's tantalizingly easy to get to in this car and
> > I'm still harboring thoughts of replacing it before it craps out and
> > leaves my wife stranded.
>
> I'm talking flames man. There is no way on earth you'll get it out
> otherwise.

Nah. I'd still give it a shot. Usually, due to the heat burning off any
moisture I suppose, it never seems to get all that rusty.

Try shooting it with PB Blaster for a few days (don't drive it in between)
then using an O2 sensor socket and a good breaker bar give it a go. An
alternative to the O2 sensor socket (which has a split up the side that will
reduce the amount of torque you can apply) you could use a box wrench and a
pipe for increased leverage or just cut the wire off the sensor and go at it
with a good, deep socket. Of course after you cut the wire there's no
turning back.

If you still can't get her out, try heating the exhaust pipe with a propane
torch, getting as little heat as possible into the sensor. The idea is to
expand the female part of the fitting. You'll get it if you use good tools
and don't bugger up the flats on the sensor...

-Fred W