Damn, looks like a stripped the threads removing my pre-cat o2 sensor. Used some liquid wrench and tried too work it back and forth before using some muscle. Fail.

Should I take this to a mechanic now? Or is this something I could fix myself? I'm a worried about metal shavings dropping into the hole when I tap it. Anyone know what size thread?

I suppose I can't drive the vehicle to the mechanic without the sensor installed, correct?

So much for the DIY fix.

 

You can technically drive it as long as the hole is not pointing at anything at all but it will be loud, smelly and potentially dangerous in stopped traffic due to the higher CO emissions.

 

I can get the new sensor in part way by hand tightening it, so that might help. I just have to zip tie the cord in case it wiggles out. Can't afford to lose that.

 

Just a suggestion, take the O2 sensor to a machine shop, let them tell you diameter, and thread pitch. Buy a rethreading tap with light machine oil retap the threads. Use anti-sieze when installing the new one (high temp) Side note on shavings, use a magnet on the outside of the pipe, and just below when retaping it. Afterwards slide the magnet up to the hole, and remove shavings with fingers from the magnet

 

Just got off the phone with O'Reilly Auto, and he said the size was 18mm 1.5.

They were out of stock, so I'm going to call around.

Thanks for the tip on the shavings. I wonder if there is a reason for not magnetizing taps and thread chasers?