LVDell

Ok, so maybe my searching sucks but I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to remove the sensors on the cats (2 on each side).

This is for my spec boxster but I assume they are the same on a 996.

I need to get this exhaust out today so I can call it a day and start doing real work

Thanks!

himself

If they are not removed from the car, it is QUITE difficult to damn near impossible. It's much easier to disconnect the cats/mufflers and simply undo the wiring harnesses and route the cats/wires out from the car. It's only 3 nuts that hold the cats on anyway. You'll need a new gasket to put them back on (if you are using them). FWIW, I could not get my 02 removal tool into the engine bay to loosen the sensors. I tried an open faced long handle wrench as well, but without enough leverage I was hosed. It ended up being a 30 minute job to take both cats off and put them back on...

With cats removed from the car, attach the 02 removal tool to your breaker bar and twist. It should come undone pretty easily. If it is really stuck, someone probably left the anti-seize off. You might need to heat the connection with a torch and break it then.

-td

LVDell

Good point. I'll disconnect the wiring harness and then remove them once off the car.

BTW, what in the world is the O2 removal tool? Dealer thing?

function12

It is a socket with a slit. So the wires can hang out the side.

himself

Yup. Costs like 5 bucks at Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Might be a little more at Autozone/PepBoys.



BTW, Dell, I ended up with Josh's car. 20,XXX on the clock. Delivered earlier this week, but I had some servicing done (oil, brake flush, filters, etc). Picking it up today.

-td

LVDell

Heading over to Northern Tool now. WHat size is it??? I'm getting 22-23mm on my micrometer.

Awesome find on Josh's car! Can't wait to hear your impressions.......

porsche-t

Most 02 sensor tools are 22mm.

function12

You can also use a faucet stem wrench.

Just stick a screwdriver in the hole to turn it.

Paul 996

O2 sensors are a standard size.. Autozone, etc have em. Since the space is super tight...Don't buy the deep socket looking one posted earlier you want a stubby looking thing that is slotted and has the 3/8 attachment point offset over to the side. See the link.

http://www.carparts.com/Engine-Tools...5_N__10618.car

A long a$$ wobble extension seems to do the trick.

Since you are likely dropping the cats altogether, just unclip the harness and drop everything at once leaving the O2 sensors in place.

Tippy

I had more of a problem getting the wire/lead snaked in and out more than getting the O2 sensor out.

I used an open-end wrench and it came right out. I may have been lucky though.

It is stainless steel, not cheap mild steel so minimal corrosion should be around the threads of the bung and sensor itself.

LVDell

No luck at Northern Tool. I'll try autozone later. Just need to spend some time in air conditioning for a while. It's 90 and humid. Yuck.

I think that I am going to do the unclip method. I just need to make sure I know how to unclip them properly as I don't want to break the clips. It seems every damn clip in these cars is a new rubics cube every time

Suggestions on proper unclip procedure?

springgeyser

I run the car to warm things up and PB blast it overnight to loosen it up. Next day a simple 22mm wrench is all that is needed, for me at least. This is with the Cats on the 996 still.

Paul 996

Umm, last time I was faced with this. I gave up on trying to figure out the clip and ran out to autozone and just got the tool.

LVDell

pb blast?

SH || NC

Give me until tomorrow afternoon and some cold beer. My dad is a tv repair man, he's got this ultimate set of tools, I can fix it.