I think you lost me. Or I lost you. The sensor was working just fine. It's the plug end that disintegrated. I have to pull it out either way. Since the car has 88,000 miles on it, I just figured I'd replace the whole assembly. Then I'll probably buy a new male plug end, repair it, and put it in the cabinet for future use.
Be careful with those valve cover bolts. They might snap on you, even when loosening. Make sure to use a torque wrench when fastening.
Oh man.............I didn't need to hear that!!!
Lol, well at least you have been warned now :-)
just wanted to add a note here. Finally got the new sensor installed new connectors sorted out. The car runs significantly cooler now.
Also quieter, smoother and rev up faster below 4k rpm. What a difference. The running cooler part was a surprising bonus.
thanks Waylander, et all for your guidance.