How to remove 02 Sensor from stock midpipe?
 

hey guys, i attempted to install the b&b midpipe last nite. i am a wrenching novice so it took quite a while. i could not for the life of me remove the 02 sensor from the stock midpipe section. does anyone know a trick or tip to get it out? i was using an adjustable wrench b/c i didnt have any wrenches big enuff to fit over the bolt. any help is much appreciated. thanks.

also.....if there is nothing i can do to remove it (if seized?) do i really need it for the car to run properly? i know that there are two 02 sensors in the rx8 exhaust system. one main in front of the midpipe section, and a backup one in the midpipe section. do i need the backup one?

Yes you do, for cat efficiency diagnosis. Otherwise it's going to trigger a CEL.

Adjustable wrenches are for piping work. Should not even be found in a mechanics tool box...
Profesionals use a special long tube socket with a cut-out on the side for the sensor cable.

They come out better if they are hot. Mazda has had a problem with them. They are galling to the pipe. They dropped the price on replacements....and the new ones come with high temp never sieze on the threads. You need to use a correct socket...the body will deform or break from an adjustable wrench.

Even with the best of luck....they sometimes don't come out in one piece......

heat it with a torch.

i am already getting a CEL from the RE intake, and i assumed that even if i did properly replace the 02 sensor, i might still get a CEL anyway. some people have reported no CEL issues, some have. is there any way to have two CEL's in the computer at the same time? in my case, a CEL from the RE intake (probably MAF problem) and the 02 sensor problem?

p.s. ive already started the car w/o the 02 sensor in place a few times, would that trigger the CEL and cause it to stay on even tho i eventually put the 02 sensor back in?

It will store a lot of codes......probably unlimited from a practical sense....the O2 sensor code will need to be reset to go away...........

well i dont think im gonna take it into a mazda dealer anytime soon. but i cant figure out any way to clear my CEL codes.

if ive already choosen to live w/ the CEL light......is there any need in terms of safety/performance sense to replace the 02 sensor? (i tried liquid wrench and theres no way that sensor is coming out).

btw.....stock exhaust w/ midpipe is LOUD!!!!! i cannot imagine how loud it would be w/ aftermarket exhaust as well. people who said its a 'bit' louder than stock w/ just midpipe must have alot of earwax built up cuz it is loud as hell.

ALSO: has anybody gotten an 02 fooler/sim to work? i heard the casper electronics one does not work, same w/ the rotaryperformance 02 sim.