Please explain lambda probes

I am replacing the lambda probe on my mk1 VVC.

I have removed the exhaust manifold from the car, found a 22mm spanner and went to remove the lambda probe to my suprize it turned with litle pressure and then twisted out almost as it had sheared. There isn't a proper thread in the hole and it definatly nothing for the new probe to grip on,

However the old probe has a sort of spring washer thing that fits the thread of the old probe, I haven't taken it off as I don't want to damage it.

Do I need to transfer the spring washer thing or is the manifold hole thread fubared?

Did the sensor come out in one piece?
There should be a crush/spring washer on the new sensor. :yesnod:

Have you tried the new sensor in the hole?

There is a crush washer on both sensors plus this spring washer thing on the old one.

The new probe is loose in the hole.

I have just unwound the spring washer thing and it is threaded on the inside and outside, is it a helicoil?

Do I walk down to my garage around the corner and try and find the down pipes I have from another k series to see if it matches? Or watch the grand prix?

talkingcars wrote: There is a crush washer on both sensors plus this spring washer thing on the old one.

The new probe is loose in the hole.

I have just unwound the spring washer thing and it is threaded on the inside and outside, is it a helicoil?

Do I walk down to my garage around the corner and try and find the down pipes I have from another k series to see if it matches? Or watch the grand prix?

Watch the GP.
It does sound like a helicoil though.

I walked to the shop, bought some smokes and flowers, sneaked them into the house (the flowers that is), down to the garage and found the other manifold which appears to be the same and the pipes seem to be better formed so we may be on a winner. The old probe on this one is proving much harder to get off and there is a bit of carbon to be removed before fitting.

I gave up at that point as it is as wet as in Canada - now watching F1.

talkingcars wrote: I walked to the shop, bought some smokes and flowers, sneaked them into the house (the flowers that is), down to the garage and found the other manifold which appears to be the same and the pipes seem to be better formed so we may be on a winner. The old probe on this one is proving much harder to get off and there is a bit of carbon to be removed before fitting.

I gave up at that point as it is as wet as in Canada - now watching F1.

You should have had time to get it all back together now then. :nonod:

David Aiketgate wrote:

talkingcars wrote: I walked to the shop, bought some smokes and flowers, sneaked them into the house (the flowers that is), down to the garage and found the other manifold which appears to be the same and the pipes seem to be better formed so we may be on a winner. The old probe on this one is proving much harder to get off and there is a bit of carbon to be removed before fitting.

I gave up at that point as it is as wet as in Canada - now watching F1.

You should have had time to get it all back together now then. :nonod:

Except we were having more rain than they were and by the time it restarted James Mays Toy Stories had been on.

talkingcars wrote: ....However the old probe has a sort of spring washer thing that fits the thread of the old probe, I haven't taken it off as I don't want to damage it.

Do I need to transfer the spring washer thing or is the manifold hole thread fubared?

that sounds like a helicoil, possibly used as the boss has no thread, but a helicoil still needs a thread, which is why it came out so easily I guess. I think you need a new down pipe.

Agreed, luckly I had one in my garage (as you do).