O2 Sensor Removal from Catalytic Converter

[Silverghost500]

I have a replacement O2 sensor ready, and want to get the one installed out. I've got an O2 socket, but I cannot get it down on the nut of the sensor where it meets the catalytic converter. The metal protective saddle isn't the issue. There's some kind of metal clip on the body of the sensor between where the wires enter the metal housing and the nut, and it doesn't appear to want to come off.

Any suggestions on how to approach removing this one?

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1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A converversion-Road Testing Phase
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[Howesight]

1. Get your particulate mask on;
2. Dremel cut off the shield (a nice-to-have-but not necessary item);
3. Dremel cut off the oxygen sensor below the metal clip;
4. Use your socket wrench.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[DanHoug]

or cut the shield off and get a rilly big cresent or 6 point closed wrench on it, slid down the disconnected wires. heat it up on the base with MAPP gas (vs propane) and whack the wrench with a 3lb mechanics hammer.
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-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[4Gears4Tires]

That metal shield should pop off with a screwdriver and then your O2 sensor socket should fit. If it's not popping off, cut it off like suggested above.

Knock both of these tabs downward with an open needle nose pliers/screwdriver or something along those lines.

YMMV but I have used this method a few times if the sensor is not budging by hand.

1. Use your O2 sensor socket with a breaker bar
2. Apply PB Blaster and hammer on socket/breaker bar
3. Wrap several runs back and forth of a strong cord to another vehicle around the handle of the breaker bar
4. Drive forward.




Link

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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[Silverghost500]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see if I can get something to try and pop off those metal tabs. If not, out comes the Dremel.

Is this setup OEM with the tabs and the half-saddle shield on the catalytic converter? Most everything that came up on my searches on removing an O2 sensor is the 85 or older where it appears to be easy access on an exhaust manifold. I'm sure it's not an easy out with an area of that many temperature cycles and rust.
_________________
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A converversion-Road Testing Phase
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA

[Ahwahnee]

Just FWIW - the socket style removal tool is the most common and usually works well, bu there is also this style which is sometimes more effective:

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-offset-oxygen-sensor-wrench-97177.html

[Silverghost500]

@Ahwahnee-That's the socket I have.
_________________
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia "Von Westy"
Honda K24A converversion-Road Testing Phase
3-Speed Automatic

Von Westy YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhyZYxJEQrUuLnMbLleeIA