How do I remove my pre-cat O2 sensors?

[lazybum]

Well, more specifically how do I reach them? the post-cat one is easy, but I'm not sure how to go about the 2 Pre-cat. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[MOMO]

any reason you are removing them?
2 precat ones are necessary for normal engine function.

[lazybum]

To replace them. 90k miles on the car, and i'm only getting 15mpg, when I should be getting around 20 mpg, or so the statistics say. Just bought it used, and I figured they'd need to be replaced, among other things. (for instance, the brown coolant I had to flush out...)

It's a 2001 cougar, 2.5L duratec engine, btw.

[MOMO]

hmm... i dont think that O2 sensors are regular maintenance item to replace. have you had the code read?
if you are having a crappy gas mileage, i would start with the usual suspects... taking out the UIM and giving it a good clean up of all the carbon build ups, plugs and wires replacements, possibly the coilpack, injectors cleaned while you have the UIM off... or replaced.

[lazybum]

Sorry if this sounds stupid, but what's a UIM?
And I'm going to get the code read tomorrow, but I'm getting bad gas mileage, and my CEL came on, so it's what i figured was probably the cause. Gonna go up to Auto-zone this weekend to get the code read.

[MOMO]

upper intake manifold. its the top most thing you see on your engine. when all the openings gets fouled up with carbon, it usually results in a lousy gas mileage. When you get your code read, come back and let us know. But i bet its all the crap in your uim thats giving you crap mileage.

[lazybum]

Thanks alot man. And I'll come back once i get the code read. Just got the car a week ago, and from what i can see, i love the thing.

[lazybum]

One last little question. The UIM as easy to get off as it looks? Unbolt the throttle body and the numerous things bolted to the UIM, take off the UIM bolts, then it pops off? Or am I missing something?

[skater]

No that's about it. You'll need new gaskets though.

[MOMO]

i think there is a how to on CEG on how to do a cleaning of the UIM.
iirc, the UIM bolts go on at certain order at a certain torque.