A very good investment indeed!!!!

[DOCTORBILL]

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

[sbiddle]

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.

[DOCTORBILL]

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!



DoctorBill

[Blownpiston]

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!!

[DOCTORBILL]

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