You were probably being set up for a costly o2 sensor. I'm sure if you had it done there, they would have told you it broke and it took 3 hours to get it out which bumps up your bill pretty significantly seeing that some dealers get 90+/hour on labor.

Yes..because it'll burn off in a matter of minutes..lol

O2 breaking.....This isn't total BS. It'* partial BS. Recently I was talking with the mechanic buddy and he mentioned having to weld a few new O2 bung hole threaded inserts in. Seems certain cars have an issue where the sensor can get corroded or fused to the exhaust piping and fight more than merely installing a new threaded insert.

Bonne'* and 3800'* in general aren't one of those cars though.

i had problems with an original o2 in a full size chevy that was cross threaded from the factory...ended up destroying an $89 o2 trying to get the new one in...had to re-tap the hole

never had a problem with an 3800 though..

I've only changed one. In a 98SE. No problems (excpet breaking the wires off the old one).

Do yourself a favor, though. Go to Sears and get the O2 sensor tool. I strted trying to just use a wrench, and gave up. It'* doable that way, but not as easily as going and buying the right tool. If I remember right, I bought the sensor tool and a 10 inch ratchet extension at Sears (just happened to be at the mall) for under 15 bucks.

You can also "rent" the special tool from AutoZone if you don't have the money to buy one.

This special tool, whats it look like? Any more info on it?

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00999818000

Also available at Autozone, Pep Boys, Checker/Advance/Shucks/Kragen for about $12

9 bucks for a socket. Or use a crescent wrench. Plenty of room for it.

Holy crap the list price on the 98 sensor is high - $132

*25162693 SENSOR-OX $29.60

*25312203 SENSOR-OX $68.85

$123.55 total, not bad from GMPD. Might take awhile to deliver but I dont need them ASAP. Hopefully they will deliver them to the right house this time. Last time I ordered a bunch of interior parts and it was delivered to my neighbor'* and they opened it on accident, at least they came and told me what happened and gave it to me though

Go to Brown and Son'* AC Delco supply house on Davison Rd. in Flint. I bought my last one from there for $48 for my 1999. They're located just east of Dort on the south side of the road. When I owned my 93 SE I think it cost ~$60 for a new one.