Couple of Questions

[Seerlah]

I am in the process of doing the fouler mod to my HFC and can not get the 02 sensor off the bung. Is it ok for me to use PB blaster on it? Or will it mess up the sensor? I know when my mechanic installed it for me, he did not use any grease on the threads. So now, I am reaping the consequences of that scenerio. I will use some high temp grease this time around.

And when I put my arm down there to try and get it off with an adjustable wrench, my hand came back with oil on it (clean fresh oil). Could that be a leak in the valve cover gasket? I replaced the exhaust valves couple months ago, so I don't think that is it. I am not too knowledgable about cars, but are there maybe some missing bolts on the valve cover (so what it seems, or maybe they are just there because). I took pictures of the valve cover to show if you may think there are any bolts missing.

2 questions:

1)Can I use PB Blaster on the 02 sensor to get it out without messing up the sensor?
2)Where do you think the oil leak is coming from? valve cover? If so, I found the DIY and it seems a rather straight foward procedure. I just do not want to spend money on a wrong diagnosis.

Thanks!

Edit: I just went to Autozone and the guy said that the PB Blaster should be no issue with the sensor. He also showed me (rented) an 02 sensor fitting used with a ratchet to get the sensor off . And got some antiseize for when I put it back. Now I am just waiting a couple minutes to spray it on the sensor. Do not want to put it onto a burning hot cat (fear of flamitory consequences). Still need confirmation of the valve cover gasket though. I want that leak gone.

Edit 2: Those sensors won't budge for nothing. Used the PB blaster (more than 1/4 of can) and nothing. What should I do? I am thinking just go to a shop and see if they will take it off for me. But the alteration of what I want them to do afterwards is highly unethical in the automotive business world, as I will then proceed to request them to place the foulers on.



*yeah, I know the engine and bay needs a good cleaning. I will do that eventually. if it is the valve cover, I will also paint it black while it is off

[Nebone]

Did you get a code P0420 when you checked fr fault codes with the vag com? If not, then you don't need the defoulers.

No way to tell if you have a leaky gasket.

[Seerlah]

I was just about to PM you. I indeed got the P0420 code. But now there are two readiness that are in non compliance. The Catalytic Converter and Secondary Air Injection. What should be my next step?