Tools Needed:
2 Gallons of Honda Premixed Engine Coolant (Honda part # OL999-9001), the manual says (MT: 4.2 quarts/AT: 4.1 quarts) so I just bought 2 gallons knowing I'd have a lot left over.
28mm washer (I think, the dealership didn't have any in stock, so I reused my old one)
3/8 ratchet/socket drive
19mm socket
Torque wrench/breaker bar
Set of pliers
Liquid gasket
Container/catch pan for approximately 1.5 gallons of fluid
Funnel or pouring spout
Difficulty Scale: On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being very difficult) this is a 2, there are some tight locations and a drain bolt you may think is welded on.
Process:
I'm including an excerpt from the Honda Factory Service Manual to
provide you with an general idea of the radiator semantics.
I used Honda's premixed coolant rather than your typical Prestone coolant as the latter requires you to mix the coolant with water. Unfortunately, unless you use distilled water, the water you mix your coolant with (i.e. - tap water) contains mineral deposits that over time will corrode your radiator. It was just easier to the buy the premixed coolant from Honda than having to measure & mix two containers (coolant and gallon of distilled water).
1.) Make sure the radiator and engine are cool to the touch,
especially the exhaust section connected to the exhaust manifold.
Your arms and hands will be all over this area.
2.) On dash, slide the temperature control knob to hot (this will allow for more of the coolant to drain).
3.) Slowly remove the radiator cap (make sure it is not hot).
4.) Locate the radiator drain plug:
Slowly loosen the drain plug allowing the coolant to trickle into the catch pan. Do not remove the drain plug as that will cause coolant to flow everywhere. By slowly loosening the drain plug, this will allow the coolant to drain through a small spout; it will drain rather slowly.
I found it easier to access the drain plug by reaching around and over the guard bar and splash shield with a set of pliers.
5.) Locate the drain bolt on the cylinder block (just to the
passenger side of the exhaust manifold) and remove it
using the 19mm socket. This is no small task as the bolt is
secured by liquid gasket. Using a torque wrench and quite a
bit of muscle, I was able to break the bolt free. The
coolant will drain all over the place so make sure the catch pan
is strategically placed.
6.) Once the block is drained, apply liquid gasket to drain bolt
threads and reinstall. Tighten the bolt to 58lbf-ft.
7.) Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
8.) Remove, drain and reinstall the coolant reservoir. The unit slides right up and out of it's mounting. While it is out, take time to rinse out any debris in the bottom of the reservoir. Fill up the reservoir with the Honda premixed coolant to the "Max" mark.
9.) Pour the Honda premixed coolant into the radiator, up to the base of the filler neck. When pouring the coolant, do not let any spill onto any electrical parts or paint. Rinse off spills immediately.
10.) Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice).
11.) Turn off engine and check coolant level in radiator. Add coolant as needed (to the filler neck of the radiator)..
12.) Install the radiator cap
tightly and run the engine. Check for leaks.
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