I'm having a devil of a time removing a bad 02 sensor on this Contour 4-banger. The hex part got rounded off even using the correct tool. It is that frozen/stuck.

I soaked it with penetrating oil and tried heating it with a propane torch but no go.

Now I'm trying to get the heat shield off and maybe try to get a vice grip on it. Of course the lower right heat shield screw is really tight and I'm worried about snapping it off (it is soaking overnight).

Anyone have this problem besides me? If so, how did you finally get the 02 sensor out?

As a last resort I'll have to try and beat it loose with a hammer and chisel.

Oh joy!

1995 Contour GL "GEX" 2.0 Liter 4-banger ATX 162,500 miles Stock except for two '89 Tempo wheel covers & two VERY COOL cosmic looking '76 Toyota Corona wheel cover Full size spare No rust Green Purchase price: $500