C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

O2 sensors - 1992

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Old May 7, 2013 | 04:17 PM
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Default O2 (oxygen) sensors - 1992

Anyone replace O2 sensors? No room on the right side for a socket, and I can position a socket on the left side, but not a ratchet.

Can access the sensor base with a 7/8 closed end wrench, but little swing room.

Was expecting a 10 minute job, but all I accomplished was cleaning the undercarriage.

I would be interested to learn how others have performed this task.

Did several internet searches, and the job seemed straight forward.
The forum search provided zilch.

Last edited by don hall; May 7, 2013 at 04:29 PM.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 04:43 PM
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I have used an adjustable (Crescent) or a open end to take mine out. It is a slow process.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
I have used an adjustable (Crescent) or a open end to take mine out. It is a slow process.
Thanks for the response, John. I think you may have been working on a '95 (?)........ would you know if there is a sensor location difference from the '92?

I would be concerned using an open end wrench for fear of rounding, and there is still limited room for a swing of the wrench. A crescent won't work for me. The only tool I can think of is a crows foot, but even that would be iffy.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 10:07 PM
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I haven't done this yet on my 90 and it may be different from your 92. Are you trying to use just a regular wrench?

I have a kit like this http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=272729_0_0_
and I've removed a number of hard to reach O2 sensors with it.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ghlkal
I haven't done this yet on my 90 and it may be different from your 92. Are you trying to use just a regular wrench?

I have a kit like this http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=272729_0_0_
and I've removed a number of hard to reach O2 sensors with it.
Thanks for the suggestion, ghikel. I purchased a 7/8 O2 sensor socket for a 1/2 drive (as shown in your link), but there isn't room on the right side to position the socket, and no room on the left side to position the drive. There are 2 sensors on the '92.

As previously posted, I can position a closed-end wrench, but no room to swing the wrench.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 10:22 PM
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I'm not sure if the 92 is different than the 95, but I used the crowfoot socket too. After putting the car on ramps and crawling all the way under, I found that access was rather easy on both sides.

Last edited by csthews; May 7, 2013 at 10:29 PM. Reason: missing information
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Old May 7, 2013 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by csthews
I'm not sure if the 92 is different than the 95, but I had to purchase a crows foot wrench. After I put the car on ramps and crawled under, access was easy.
You make it seem so easy, csthews. When you are 81, nothing under the vette is easy. Yes, I had my mitts on both sensors, just no room to swing a wrench. A crows foot type wrench may be the answer, but I will still need swing room, or hammer room.

I would think that the '92 and the '95 are the same sensor locations.

Thanks for the reply.
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Old May 7, 2013 | 11:36 PM
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When I did my passenger side O2 sensor, I used this type of sensor socket -
CTA Tools 2065 Heavy Duty Oxygen Sensor Socket - Amazon.com CTA Tools 2065 Heavy Duty Oxygen Sensor Socket - Amazon.com
. I can't remember what brand I used but I got it locally.

This socket has an extended arm which allowed me to get a 3/8 breaker bar on it. I also added a small pipe to the breaker bar for added leverage. The sensor was really in there but this finally got it to move. I also soaked it with PBblaster for 24 hours before I tried to get it off. Good luck to you!
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Old May 7, 2013 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver96ce
When I did my passenger side O2 sensor, I used this type .....CTA-Tools-2065-Oxygen-Sensor
This socket has an extended arm which allowed me to get a 3/8 breaker bar on it. I also added a small pipe to the breaker.....
Yes! That is exactly what I need:
CTA Tools 2065 Heavy Duty Oxygen Sensor Socket - Amazon.com CTA Tools 2065 Heavy Duty Oxygen Sensor Socket - Amazon.com

I saw this tool, but didn't understand the application until now.
You have solved this old man's dilemma. My 81 year-old creaky bones can't wait to crawl under the vette again.

Many thanks, Silver96ce!
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Old May 7, 2013 | 11:59 PM
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Just a little change to my prior post - I used a 1/2 breaker bar with a 3/8 adapter on it with a pipe on the end. For some reason I forgot. Again, good luck!
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Old May 8, 2013 | 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Silver96ce
Just a little change to my prior post - I used a 1/2 breaker bar with a 3/8 adapter on it with a pipe on the end. For some reason I forgot. Again, good luck!
Using a breaker bar with a pipe extension....... you must have been working from the neighbor's property with all that leverage.

Thank you.......
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Old May 8, 2013 | 04:07 AM
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I disconnect the connector and slip the box end of a 7/8" wrench over the wire to the O2 sensor.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
I disconnect the connector and slip the box end of a 7/8" wrench over the wire to the O2 sensor.
Cliff, I tried that........ no room to swing the wrench, and you really need an extension bar to break loose the sensor.

Thanks for the reply.

Last edited by don hall; May 8, 2013 at 09:08 AM.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 10:07 AM
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To change O-2 sensors on my 95, I bought both the slotted deep socket and the crow-foot, 1/2 drive from Harbor Freight for less than $15.00. I have leant them out to many of my Corvette Club, C4 owners and they have worked great.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 10:19 AM
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As I recall, my 1992 FSM says to have the exhaust hot when removing the O2 sensors. Something about it comes out much easier and the threads do not get damaged. I took one of them out on mine, which I think was on the passenger side, and there was very little room to work. I was able to do it with the O2 sensor socket sold at the auto parts stores.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver96ce
I also soaked it with PBblaster for 24 hours before I tried to get it off.
I agree ... soak it good a day beforehand.

I applaud you seabright for crawling under the Vette at 81 I hope I'm able to when I'm your age.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by seabright
Yes! That is exactly what I need: CTA Tools 2065 Heavy Duty Oxygen Sensor Socket - Amazon.com

I saw this tool, but didn't understand the application until now.
You have solved this old man's dilemma. My 81 year-old creaky bones can't wait to crawl under the vette again.

Many thanks, Silver96ce!
I got this same socket at Advanced Auto! Worked like a charm!
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Old May 8, 2013 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by seabright
You make it seem so easy, csthews. When you are 81, nothing under the vette is easy. Yes, I had my mitts on both sensors, just no room to swing a wrench. A crows foot type wrench may be the answer, but I will still need swing room, or hammer room.

I would think that the '92 and the '95 are the same sensor locations.

Thanks for the reply.
At 52, it is definitely not easy....but I guess much easier than for you. But actually, when I removed the driver's side, I used 2 swivel drives with the crows foot just to get enough room to swing the ratchet. But when I put it back on, I braved up and slid all the way under. From that different viewpoint, I could see that I had plenty of room to swing the ratchet without the swivels.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by ghlkal
......

I applaud you seabright for crawling under the Vette at 81 I hope I'm able to when I'm your age.
Thank you, ghlkal ........... after releasing the jacks, and the vette settled on solid ground, I decided that was my last under-vette repair.

It seems the body has a way of 'telling' you when it has had enough.
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Old May 9, 2013 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by csthews
At 52, it is definitely not easy....but I guess much easier than for you. But actually, when I removed the driver's side, I used 2 swivel drives with the crows foot just to get enough room to swing the ratchet. But when I put it back on, I braved up and slid all the way under. From that different viewpoint, I could see that I had plenty of room to swing the ratchet without the swivels.
csthews, using this socket made everything quite simple.



The tab for an 18" breaker bar was key. I really had to lean on that bar, even with a heavy application of PB Blaster. The sensors were original (21 years), and didn't enjoy being persuaded to leave their nest. Chased the threads, and installation went smoothly.

I'm not sure why I decided to replace the sensors, as the vette has 64K miles, and I have read that 100K might be the time to change.
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