Engine coolant plug help! - Honda Pilot

Kaliona · 01-26-2013, 12:22 AM

Trying to do a coolant flush and I want to remove the engine coolant plug. Has anyone figured out an easy way to remove that front plug? I can get my 19mm combination wrench on it, but have no room to turn it. The exhaust pipe is right in the way and I really don't want to have to remove that first. I've tried different length rachet handles but can't find a position where I'd be able to turn it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, or just don't have the right tools. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Kaliona · 01-26-2013, 12:24 AM

Sorry, forgot to mention it's a 2004. And I'm trying to do this from underneath the car. I could probably reach it from the top side if I removed the alternator, but I really don't want to have to do that either.

rocky · 01-26-2013, 12:59 AM

Easier to remove the lower radiator hose.
Pretty much time to replace it anyway.

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Kaliona · 01-26-2013, 09:41 AM

I want to remove the plug in order to drain the coolant from the block too. Will removing the lower radiator hose do the same?

rocky · 01-26-2013, 10:13 AM

Yes

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Kaliona · 01-27-2013, 11:07 AM

I was finally able to remove the plug. Ended up being easier to access it from the top of the engine. That bugger was TIGHT! Scraped up my arm pretty good when the bolt finally gave. Feel better now...good for another 60K miles.

Willard · 01-29-2013, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaliona

I was finally able to remove the plug. Ended up being easier to access it from the top of the engine. That bugger was TIGHT!

yes... very tight and easier to get at from the top.

Removal of the block plug will drain the block. The radiator drain plug will drain the radiator and lower radiator hose.

Coolant drain bolt location
DIY coolant flush (2004)

01-26-2013, 12:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Kaliona Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Engine coolant plug help! Trying to do a coolant flush and I want to remove the engine coolant plug. Has anyone figured out an easy way to remove that front plug? I can get my 19mm combination wrench on it, but have no room to turn it. The exhaust pipe is right in the way and I really don't want to have to remove that first. I've tried different length rachet handles but can't find a position where I'd be able to turn it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, or just don't have the right tools. Any pointers would be appreciated.

01-26-2013, 12:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 8,671 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Engine coolant plug help! Easier to remove the lower radiator hose. Pretty much time to replace it anyway. Sent from AutoGuide.com App

01-26-2013, 10:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 8,671 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Engine coolant plug help! Yes Sent from AutoGuide.com App

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01-26-2013, 12:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kaliona Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Sorry, forgot to mention it's a 2004. And I'm trying to do this from underneath the car. I could probably reach it from the top side if I removed the alternator, but I really don't want to have to do that either.

01-26-2013, 09:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kaliona Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I want to remove the plug in order to drain the coolant from the block too. Will removing the lower radiator hose do the same?

01-27-2013, 11:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kaliona Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I was finally able to remove the plug. Ended up being easier to access it from the top of the engine. That bugger was TIGHT! Scraped up my arm pretty good when the bolt finally gave. Feel better now...good for another 60K miles.

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