Be careful exerting A LOT of force on the O2 sensor. Believe it or not I had one that was so stuck that I actually tore the pipe around the bung. Even heating it red hot didn't help. I had to break it off and drill it out. Fortunately this was a spare cat/Y-pipe.

 

I have an O2 sensor socket, but I have had better luck using a big box-end wrench (cutting the wires to get the wrench over the sensor) and tapping on the wrench with a hammer. I have been told it is easier to do if the exhaust is very hot, not sure if that is true. If the threads get buggered, you can get a spark plug thread chaser at your local auto parts store that will clean up the threads.

-Joel.

 

technically it would be easier to do with the hot exhaust because it would make the pipe expand...but i wouldnt want to reach up there with a hot exhaust pipe

 

is it possible to replace the 3 wire with a 1 wire o2 sensor? i have an early 85 california car, but i dont have to meet emissions. doesnt the 3 wire just preheat the o2 sensor to work quicker?

 

After two attempts I got it out. You need to treat your car like a woman. Get her motor running and after she warms up she'll give in.

Afterwards I treated her to 5.5 quarts of Castrol 20-50 and some 93 octane. To keep her happy!

 

ok, so i talked to a guy that already converted his vw to a 1 wire instead of a 2 wire, but that color wires would i be looking at to switch to a 1 wre o2 sensor?
i am thinkign that mine isnt original, because it has a cheapo looking flat connector with 1 white wire and 2 black wires.
since they go into sheathing, i cant tell which wires are which and what ones are only for the heating "thing". in my haynes manual, it doesnt show any color codes, and only says that 1 wire goes to the computer and the other 2 go to the heater thing...but which is which?