Looking at replacing my one and only O2 sensor in my '92 5L v8, it's a 4 wire. Locally it will cost me $85 CDN + tax, and whilst it's convenient by the looks of it, I can get one on ebay for around $27...and presumably no tax if I get one from a US supplier...

It sounds as if a 4-wire is a 4 wire, are there different types/ratings etc? For that matter, I saw a pair for the price of a single, for slightly newer trucks, sounds like a deal but only if it fits of course, the code given to me by a parts place here is FE 871 and of course the ebayers don't give any codes/pns.

What are people's experiences with buying sensors this way? Should I just get one locally, and know I have some sort of warranty also?

Lastly (thanks for reading) I've seen some talk of using special tools on O2 sensors, and pros and cons of how to remove them - I understand hot is easiest? Mine is really easy to get to, and I think just a normal spanner will do it, or is there a reason to use the special tool? I assume it's a socket or something that allows for the plug to be slipped through/over.

Also, is there a special anti-seize compound to use? I have some Permatex copper anti-seize that's rated to 1800 deg F/980 C. Is that adequate?

 

I have replaced o2 sensors with ones off e-bay and havent had very good luck..

As far as the tool, the 02 sensor socket has a section cut out of the side of it to allow the wire to stick out the side. be sure to hit it with some wd40 or something as it will make it easier.

josh

 

were they new sensors? Defective? I'm starting to think it's not worth the hassle buying online just now, especially since my credit card hasn't arrived yet and I'm not yet set up with paypal in Canada yet...

Good idea re the WD - I'll try that, and do it warm if not hot as most people seem to think that's best. Torque from what I hear (don't have a torquewrench yet either) is not very high, no surprise there..

 

they were new sensors. Just buy from a parts store so you have a warranty. as far as torque, just get it tight but dont strip it. when it heats up the metal will expand helping to hold the sensor in.

 

PJB...

I just changed both forward sensors in my 5.4L. I used a simple open end wrench, I believe 7/8". No special tool required. jtindel is correct on hitting them with a little WD first. I removed mine cold with no problem.

I also used Loctite Anti-Seize Silver stick on the threads.

Bosch has good website that explains about the different types of O2 sensors available. Bought mine @ Autozone.

 

Thanks - In the end, I did buy locally but am considering buying manifolds online/ebay....maybe.

Thanks for the advice, I got the old one out no problems, til my tools etc arrive from Australia, I only have the very basics so had to use a shifting spanner, new Bosch sensor came with anti-seize already on it - truck seemed to run better and cooler but check engine light came on again anyway, however, I'd disconnected battery to reset the computer - will read the code in the morning and see what's what....I hear it takes some driving for computer ('92 model) to adjust to everything, so performance can be different...