How to Replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a Honda Prelude

Late model Honda Prelude cars (post 1996) don't use a normal oil pan gasket. Instead, they require a liquid gasket sealant applied between the oil pan and the engine block. The key to successfully replacing the gasket is to completely remove the old gasket sealant before you apply new sealant.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Ramp
Wheel blocks
Socket wrench
Drain pan
Mallet
Screwdriver
Gasket sealant
Fresh oil

Step 1
Unhook the negative battery cable.
Step 2
Drive the vehicle up on a ramp, put it in park and set the parking brake. Block the rear wheels to be sure they won't roll.
Step 3
Crawl under the car and make sure you have a drain pan within reach. Remove the bolts holding the engine undercover with a socket wrench and slide the drain pan underneath the pan very quickly to catch the old oil.
Step 4
Take off the front exhaust pipe, and then remove the bolts that hold the oil pan mounting. Tap with a mallet and a screwdriver between the oil pan and engine block to remove the oil pan.
Step 5
Clean the mounting surface of the engine block and the oil pan flange with solvent and allow it to dry. Then apply gasket sealant to the oil pan flange.
Step 6
Reinstall the oil pan and tighten the bolts in a sequence to 12 Nm (8.7 lb.) Put the exhaust and engine undercover back on.
Step 7
Lower the car carefully to the ground and refill the engine with the appropriate type and amount of oil. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the car, check the oil to be sure you have the correct amount.