Hi, I'm looking at changing my coolant this evening and was wondering if anyone knows off hand what size socket I'll need to remove the engine coolant drain plug. I changed my diff and tranny fluid yesterday and was put in a bit of a spot when I needed a 24mm socket (I only had up to 21mm)) for the diff drain plug. I will be changing from green coolant to the honda type II (blue) and I really want to make sure it's changed thoroughly. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

This thread may be of some help to you:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=86811

You don't really have to remove the engine block drain plug. You only need to be able to access the coolant on that side of the engine down low. The rad drain plug will access the coolant on that side of the engine via the lower rad hose. That link above shows you an alternative.

 

Thanks, I've read that thread, I've even printed it and the factory manual instructions up to have on hand while I do this. I guess I'm just stuck on doing it by the book even if it isn't going to gain me anything. It's a sickness really....

 

Fair enough. Since I didn't do it that way, I don't know the size of socket you'll need, but I can tell you this ...................................
Even with the right size, you will find it nearly impossible to get a wrench in there to turn that thing. And if you do, then getting a torque wrench back in there to tighten it down (it's a high torque bolt), will be nearly impossible to get enough of a turn on it to arrive at the proper torque. You may have to support the engine and remove the right engine mount to do it. This is why I didn't do it "by the book".
Maybe "SlowS2K" will see this thread and give you pointers on this.

 

It's a 19mm headed bolt. You'll need a very long 1/2 drive flex headed ratchet and a deep socket to reach it.(without removing anything) It's also in very tight.

 

Yup, it was in tight. I got it loose with a 18" 1/2 drive breaker bar, a 2" extension, and a 19mm socket. (I didn't have a 1/2" 19mm deep socket).

 

i got it off with a 3/8" socket wrench, 19mm socket, and 3" exenstion and a cheater bar.

 

%100 correct.




since i have access to a lift and stands to support the engine, i went ahead and removed the motor mount.


its really tough to do it with everything there-partially because the bolt sits at an downward angle, it isnt perpendicular with the ground. be sure to support the ratchet and socket upon breaking the bolt loose, you dont wanna risk rounding off the bolt.


if anyone cares to know...


the torque specs on the engine drain bolt is 61 lbs ft and requires a 19mm socket and liquid gasket are recommended. the honda manual says to apply liquid gasket to the threads of the bolt and replace existing washer. i dont know if anyone else has done this...



but i have applied the liquid gasket and re-used the washer.






and please dont forget to bleed your coolant system properly. if you dont know how, there is plenty of info on the forum, and everybody's bleeding methods are almost identical. use the search button!