R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Accessing Pre-Cat 02 Sensor from up top?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-22-2017, 06:27 PM
SooperCoopers's Avatar
SooperCoopers
SooperCoopers is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 57
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Accessing Pre-Cat 02 Sensor from up top?

Hello all,

I'm curious, can the pre-cat o2 sensor be accessed/removed from the top of the engine bay? I am thinking about removing my coolant expansion reservoir along with the exhaust manifold heat shield to allot myself some space for my wrench. Has anyone done this?


I've attempted to remove this sensor from under the car (on jack stands) using a crowfoot socket but I only had room to get 3 fingers on my socket driver and I wasn't able to generate enough torque to get the old sensor off. (its currently soaking in penetrating fluid for the night).

thanks for your time!
 
  #2  
Old 04-22-2017, 07:04 PM
Cenla Mini's Avatar
Cenla Mini
Cenla Mini is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CENLA
Posts: 253
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
I had the same problem...gave up until I have time to take the exhaust manifold off.
 
  #3  
Old 04-22-2017, 07:42 PM
ItsmeWayne's Avatar
ItsmeWayne
ItsmeWayne is offline
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Southern oregon
Posts: 2,991
Received 328 Likes on 309 Posts
It is not hard, from the bottom. I have changed both from underneath.
The room is there to do it from the top, but I think easier at the bottom. (as you can get to both)
 
  #4  
Old 04-23-2017, 06:34 AM
Cenla Mini's Avatar
Cenla Mini
Cenla Mini is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CENLA
Posts: 253
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Originally Posted by ItsmeWayne
It is not hard, from the bottom. I have changed both from underneath.
The room is there to do it from the top, but I think easier at the bottom. (as you can get to both)
Would appreciate your knowledge in this...I've tried multiple times on my MC R50 to access them from below...the rear I could get to but the one on the CAT I couldn't...couldn't even get the OS socket over the sensor.
 
  #5  
Old 04-23-2017, 08:51 AM
ItsmeWayne's Avatar
ItsmeWayne
ItsmeWayne is offline
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Southern oregon
Posts: 2,991
Received 328 Likes on 309 Posts
Hi Cenla Mini,
You use a open end wrench on the upper. On a few cars I had to disconnect the lower motor mount (passenger side) and push the engine, so I could get clearance to unscrew it all the way.
You will need a long open end wrench to get enough torque to loosen the sensor.
I hope you can get it out!
 
  #6  
Old 04-23-2017, 11:10 AM
SooperCoopers's Avatar
SooperCoopers
SooperCoopers is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 57
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by ItsmeWayne
Hi Cenla Mini,
You use a open end wrench on the upper. On a few cars I had to disconnect the lower motor mount (passenger side) and push the engine, so I could get clearance to unscrew it all the way.
You will need a long open end wrench to get enough torque to loosen the sensor.
I hope you can get it out!
This is what I plan on doing for my next attempt. All I had at the time was a standard length adjustable wrench and it didn't provide enough leverage, Im pretty confident that a longer wrench will do the trick. Were you able to get enough range of motion without removing the the bracket that supports both the coolant and power steering reservoir?

thanks!
 
  #7  
Old 04-24-2017, 07:18 AM
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
ECSTuning is online now
Platinum Sponsor
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Wadsworth, Ohio
Posts: 34,817
Received 1,968 Likes on 1,768 Posts
I did mine from the bottom with this.


Make sure if you use a tool not to use one that will damage the neck on the head of the sensor. I use one like this so you wont damage it. Its a side connect version. 3/8's ratchet extension.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/UN1204250/




https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html
Oxygen Sensor Part # 11780872674


 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:07 PM.