Thanks for the help, guys. What had me worried was that this was the first time that I actually attempted to do something other than routine oil changes and filling the tires with air. When I felt the rough idle and saw the check engine light come on I said to myself maybe I should have had a mechanic replace the hoses, flush the coolant system, replace the thermostat and even do the oil change. I guess it was just a coincidence or maybe the connection got oil from a previous oil leak coming from the passenger side valve cover gaskets and decided to fail the day after I repaired the cooling system and performed an oil change. I have since learned, thanks to this forum, to tighten the valve cover bolts at every oil change interval.

 

That pass side valve cover oil leak is exactly why the sensor we're talking about fails.. Oil soaks it and the connector.

 

Well I'm glad it was the valve cover gasket and not me. I guess this gives me confidence to tackle the next project, removing and painting the headliner. Going back to the oxygen sensors do I need a special socket or wrench and should I use anti-seizing grease.

 

Your truck is going to be very happy with this change and you will save a ton of money.

 

Good to hear. I also used a high capacity oil filter for the first time, Mobil 1 301 I believe. I use to use the Mobil 1 short filter. Pretty soon it will be cheaper for me to fly in a private jet.

 

No special socket.. Just be sure to soak the threads in penetrating oil the day before you try changing it if it's rusty.

 

Will do, even though the previous oil leak probably took care of that for me. Do you happen to know who has the best prices on those oxygen sensors.

 

Atlantic british.

 

Thanks

 

Try Amazon as well.