S2K_Guy

civic 98 ex

do i need to remove the a-pipe? what else do i need to remove? i got the honda service manual but it doesn't say quite how to remove it, just how to install it.

any help would be apreciated

Str8EJ

my suggestion: easier to remove the entire header rather than the downpipe portion.
be sure to unplug/remove your o2 sensors.
do the flywheel cover plate.
loosen all your nuts/bolts first.
leave the center nuts on the front and the back side of the pan for last, remove the rest.
when you're putting it back together, use a new rubber gasket.

S2K_Guy

thanks a bunch

S2K_Guy

ok all the nuts are off and the flywheel cover, exhaust manifold, everything....... i tried pulling the pan down and it won't budge. is there something else i need to do?

allmotorSOHC

yeah, take a rubber mallet to it. use many SMALL blows till it comes free. its like it is "glued" on using HondaBond. <--- factory sealant-.


And before you put it back on go to your local honda dealer and ask for a tube of the hondabond. use it!!! you'll be glad you did.

S2K_Guy

yeah i got all that out and now i'm trying to remove the main bearing cap, again i have all the bolts out, but i want to make sure i can just pull it, because the factory service manual told me to remove the bolts in a certain pattern to avoid warpage. so do i just unbolt and PULL or what?

CHAHONDA

not to be mean or anything but if you are having to ask this many questions about this then you prob. shouldnt be removing the bearing caps/main girdle.

Str8EJ

whoa, champ. why are you removing the mains with the motor in the car?
are you trying to remove the crank?
i'd have to agree with chahonda...it doesn't sound like you should be doing this work on your car. you're at risk for causing more damage to your motor.
here's an obvious suggestion - pull some funds together and take it to a mechanic who has the tools/equipment to do it right. sounds like chahonda has plenty of vouches on this board.

good luck. i know it sucks to be without wheels.

S2K_Guy

i am soooo broke, i just got handed papes for a legal issue and my lawyer cost $7,500, not to mention some pretty hefty phone bills and such. basically 17, need a new job, and in 12,000+ debt..... no fucking bueno!

i don't think there is anything wrong with asking questions, i wanna make sure i'm doing EVERYTHING right, and who else to ask then people who have been there before. i've been getting a great amount of help from here and honda-tech.com. i'm trying to get a little experience here too.....

Str8EJ

nothing wrong with asking questions.
and i don't want to come across as being discouraging, but this is clearly a non-beginner task.

the reason the main caps are held in there snug, despite the fact that you've removed the bolts, is that they're held in place with metal dowels.

i use a rubber, non-impact mallet and gently tap them on alternating sides until i see some movement. resist the temptation to pry them out or be too forceful.

when you do get the mains to come loose, be aware of the lower half of the main bearings, which may fall out.

describe again why you want to remove the mains/brace. what are you trying to get to?