A very good investment indeed!!!!

I just made an attempt to change out the O2 Sensor in my wife's Geo Tracker.

It is right out there - easy to get at - no problem!

However, it wouldn't budge! I bought one of those special sockets for O2
Sensors - open along one side for the wires.

No luck. Tried a cheater bar - no luck.

Finally I used a tool that has saved my butt many's the time, but I thought
I didn't need in this case.

My air compressor.

I got it out and plugged it in - in the snow - and then attached the air hammer wrench.
The tool used for removing wheel lug nuts.

Five seconds later the O2 sensor turned!

I swear - tools are worth buying - even if you think you'll only seldom use
them.

They save you big bucks in the end - you don't have to rent or pay some
other Bozo to do it for you. One time of that and you've paid for the
damned tool....

DoctorBill

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/2818/discussionb5lg.jpg

The liberal use of a propane torch is a huge help in removing stuck on o2 sensors. They are usually located in places where an impact wrench won't fit.

I considered using a torch. I KNOW an O2 gets quite hot,
but I wasn't very sure that a torch wouldn't hurt it.

I applied a liberal lathering of that silvery looking anti-seize
compound, that one can buy in flat packs for a dollar, to the
threads on the replacement. The Tracker takes a preheated
O2 sensor that costs $70. If I have to ever change it again,
I want it to come out easily......

Anyway - that old air-impact driver is one of THE most useful tools
a person can have.

The slamming battering it does loosens the most recalcitrant nuts
on cars. I had a nut that wouldn't come loose on my old Suburban
(you know - that 8 mpg behemoth thing) and had to drive it to
the Big 4 WD Truck Repair place and he got out the air impact driver
and - same thing - 2 seconds and it was turning!

I had tried the torch, cheater bars, Liquid Wrench, massively
filthy and inventive swearing - all to no avail.....

Two seconds and it was off. He looked at me like I was Mr.
whimpy. Most embarassing. I went out and spent $250 on an
Air Compressor at COSTCO and have never been the same since!

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/7432/isthatitb9xs.jpg

DoctorBill

doctorbill, im with you. I dont see how i ever got along without an air compressor set. They are the most versitile tool for a homeowner. The firewrench has its place too, but not unless absolutely needed, as open flames are not good.The quick,easy, and safe hookup and use of air tools rule!!

My problem is that I am such a cheap bastard. I will squeeze a penny until
it squeeks! I get mad at myself when I get that way!

I catch myself driving all over Hell to save $2 on a purchase - and realise I
spent $6 on gasoline doing it!

I used to work my butt off growing peas in our garden until a friend of mine
asked me what a two pound bag of frozen peas costs? I don't garden anymore.

But - tools are another thing. I may buy cheaper tools, but after being up
sh*t-creek a few times because I didn't have the right tool has made me
realise that they are ALWAYS worth the money and don't wear out or go out
of style. Besides - you can always bequeath them to your kids....

BTW - nothing helps like a good bash with a hammer! Watch a mechanic at
work! They don't fool around! FORCE! That's why the Air-Impact-Hammer
is such a good investment.

DoctorBill