Replacing Oxygen sensor?

[niro884]

I want to replace the oxygen sensor. Pretty straight forward? Any advice? Is it a common part to find ?

Thanks

[kilrwail]

Don't cut the wire until you have the new one - the length and resistance of the wire is relevant. They can be hard to remove, due to heat and rust. There's a special O2 sensor long socket you could buy, but they're not much good under very high torques because they twist open. On the sensor I removed from my Mazda, I broke off the tip so I could gat a standard short socket on it, then applied a lot of WD-40 and torque. I don't know where you'll get a new one locally, but Vick Auto has them (part 33-2616). Try NAPA and Partsource - you never know.

[jfrawley]

I did this replacement in January and it was interesting. I think the original one from 1982 was still in the car. Two days of PB Blaster, a big wrench, and a bigger breaker bar finally did the trick. All down hill after that. Auto Zone has them for short money, but don't forget the anti-seize when you re-install.

[narfire]

I get the Bosch O2 from Lordco. Not sure if they are out east but try Napa or Can. tire.
I removed mine while the manifold was between really hot and hot. (about 15 min after a 1/2 hour run) Came out easy.

[kilrwail]

Yah - we don't have Lordco here, but I was in CTC today and the guy looked up Fiat Spider in the computer for an oil filter - and found it! (I already knew they had it, but he was anxious to help.) And he knew we're coming...

[launieg]

Peter, last week my front left wheel bearing got really noisy. Popped into CT and lo and behold they had the front outer bearings and races in stock! Two qualities, so I took the Mexico made ones rather than the ones made in China. Either way, it was under $10. Funny what CT carries!

[narfire]

Lordco had all the tie rod ends,belts gaskets, temp sensors, well I could go on. Bet I paid for a couple of the managers mortgage payments.

[So Cal Mark]

hmmm, Mexican bearings are better quality than Chinese? what is the world coming to?