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Replacing my primary O2 sensor at 115k per GearBox's "forgotten tuneup" DIY. Bit the bullet and bought the $90 dealership part instead of the $40 denso part because I wanted to get it done before a trip to LA today and didn't want to wait for shipping.

GearBox is clear in his writeup how sensitive the tip is, not to touch, and def. not to get anti-sieze on it. So i get the thing in this crap bubble wrap taped to a box with a filter in it and it's obviously been manhandled. Not only that but the stock antisieze is all over the dang place included smeared on the tip.

I bring this up and they ask their techs and parts dept. manager who tell me they don't come packaged any other way and that their techs put them in like that all the time with no problems.

Should I just wipe it off carefully and put it in or take it back for a refund and just wait on the Denso one? Thanks peeps.

 
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I would say wipe it off and you should be fine. I certainly wouldnt downgrade though. If they say thats how there packaged, then your good to go

 
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Thanks for the reply. Apparently I just can't win. The new one is about six inches too short and I'm not going to pay 90 bucks just to MacGyver this thing

 
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wow! bummer! guess you have to take it back after all...

 
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well this just keeps getting better and better. Looks like it IS my fault. I went in with a printout from the parts manual and circled the wrong one. I circled secondary and they gave me secondary. That's what I get for trying to act like I know what I'm doing.

Here's what's really funny, though. In GearBox's write up he has a side by side comparison of the primary and secondary. My new "secondary" looks identical to his primary, and and you can see in the photos the tips look identical.

If they are the same thing I'm considering just splicing the new one into the old wiring harness and running with it. Thoughts on this?

 
Rep Power: 0

Are you able to take the one you bought back? Getting the right one would be the safest route. But of not, I would splice into the old one like you said. Worst case scenario, it doesnt work and end up having to buy a cheaper one. Have you checked your local auto parts store? Thats where I got mine. I payed $45.

 
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Thank you again for all the prompt responses. Went ahead and spliced it and it seems to be working fine -- at least no error codes yet . . . lol.

Lesson learned: act clueless next time ordering parts instead of trying to act like I know what I'm talking about.

Thanks again!

 
Rep Power: 0

No problem man, glad you got it figured out.