alternative Method of Accessing O2 Sensor on XB Models

[buelltech]

The conventional method for accessing the O2 sensor is to perform the engine rotation procedure. An alternative procedure is to access the sensor through the cooling fan opening.

1. Place flat jack under rear muffler straps and raise bike to allow rear suspension to relax to a neutral tension
2. Remove lower shock mounting bolt
3. Raise rear of bike fully to allow swingarm to drop as far as possible
4. Remove rear shock upper mounting bolt
5. For Firebolt models, gently ease shock absorber/spring assembly downward and turn sideways to lie across rear fender. Place a shop towel between shock assembly and rear fender for cushion.
6. NOTE For both Lightning and Firebolt, it is NOT necessary to disconnect the accumulator hose or unfasten the shock reservoir.
7. For Lightning models, ease shock assembly upwards to lie across tail section. Use a shop towel as a cushion to protect the components.
8. Remove fan mounting torx fasteners
9. Extract fan with a slight clocking motion disconnect wiring plug and set aside
10. O2 sensor is now accessible through the opening
11. NOTE During reassembly, take special care to avoid trapping or pinching O2 sensor wire between fan housing and frame

TORQUE- O2 SENSOR 40-45 FT LBS

 

[Stevenc150]

Nice. [up]

 

[buelltech]

Hope this helps this will save you lots of time.

 

[80rs427]

Thanks for the instructions. I'm going to print them out along with the engine rotation instructions and put them in my XB file.

 

[oxygen151]

Definitely saving both for future use. Thanks again!

 

[buelltech]

This is some more information I found that I thought would go good with this post.

O2 sensor company part numbers

02 sensor for buell XB from GM delco #25162693
GM OEM= 8990469 superseded to 25162693
Bosch= 12014
Walker= 250-21001
Denso= 234-1001
Airtex= 553071
SNG= SN1-15
NTK= 21002

 

[Shiftredline]

I've tried rotating the fan clockwise but still can't get the fan out. Any suggestions who be appreciated.

 

[lawdog]

I moved the fan down enough that there was room at the top to get the socket in and swap the O2 sensor out. I left the fan on the bike but just wiggled it down on my 2009 XB12R to make room.

Also the more the rear tire drops the more room you have to move the fan out of the way.

 

[Shiftredline]

I'm find it hard to move in any direction

 

[lawdog]

Did you move the shock out of the way and the rear tire is hanging all the way down? Is the fan wiring disconnected?

 

[Shiftredline]

shock removed, tire hanging down. I get it to rotate a little clockwise but then I binds against the frame. I cant figure out how to move it because when I think I got it its stuck by the other side under the frame. I tried pushing it down but would not budge

 

[theoctopus]

The fan is definitely tricky. I found it's best to slide it out partially by pulling the bottom of the fan toward the rear of the bike. Then, rotate the fan clockwise. It just barely clears the master cylinder.

I've had to pull the O2 a few times in the last month. It gets easier after the first time.

 

[Shiftredline]

I'll try that tomorrow.

 

[raz65man]

Just a comment so it is saved in "my posts" so I can access it soon. lol

 

[Sirius815]

^^ It's super easy. I did it without a walk-through or a manual. You also don't need to take everything out of the subframe, just move the entire piece off to the side and set it on something.