Drilling Oil Pan In Honda Civic: Step-By-Step Guide

Drilling an oil pan on a Honda Civic is a moderately challenging task that requires a range of tools and a good understanding of car mechanics. The process involves jacking up the car, removing the old oil pan, and installing a new one. It is important to take safety precautions when working underneath a car, such as using jack stands and wearing protective gear. Additionally, it is crucial to have the correct parts and tools, including a new oil pan, drain plug, gasket, and oil. The oil pan drain plug is typically located at the back of the oil pan and can be removed using a wrench or socket. When installing the new oil pan, it is important to ensure that all bolts are tightened securely and that the oil pan is properly sealed to prevent leaks.

Jack up the car

Jacking up your car is a necessary step before you can drill into your Honda Civic's oil pan. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely jack up your car:

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

First, ensure you are in a safe location away from traffic. Ideally, find a solid and level surface like a parking lot. If you are on a highway, take the nearest exit and find a spot away from the flow of cars. Remember, you want to avoid soft surfaces that might cause the jack to sink or lean.

Step 2: Secure Your Honda Civic

Make sure your Honda Civic is turned off, and the parking brake is engaged. If possible, use something like a brick or a large rock to block the tire opposite to the corner you plan to jack up. For instance, if you're raising the right front, block the left rear tire. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent the car from rolling off the jack.

Step 3: Locate the Jack and Jacking Points

Now, locate your car jack. It is usually stored in the trunk or, in the case of an SUV, under the cargo-floor cover. Once you've found the jack, identify the jacking points on your Honda Civic's body. These are the reinforced metal ribs designed to safely lift the vehicle. For most vehicles, including your Honda Civic, there are four jacking points. They are located under the car's rocker panels, just behind the front wheels, and ahead of the rear wheels. Refer to your Honda Civic's owner's manual for precise jacking point locations.

Step 4: Position the Jack

Position the jack under the car, ensuring it is correctly oriented. Most car jacks have a slot at the top that slips onto the jack point's reinforced rib. However, your car may have a different setup, so refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions. You may need to adjust the jack's height first so it can fit under the car.

Step 5: Jack Up Your Honda Civic

Now, it's time to lift your Honda Civic! Turn the jack handle clockwise slowly until the desired tire is off the ground. Take your time and ensure that the jack remains straight up and down as it lifts the car. A leaning jack will not hold the car securely. Remember to place a jack stand under the rocker panel near the jack to support the vehicle if you plan to work underneath it. This provides added safety in case the jack slips or fails.

Safety Note:

If you're jacking up the car to work on it, consider using a more robust floor jack, which is stronger and more stable than a standard car jack.

Locate the oil drain plug

To locate the oil drain plug of your Honda Civic, first park your vehicle on a level surface and let the engine cool down. This is an important safety precaution as you don't want to risk burning yourself by working with hot oil or a hot engine.

Once your car has been parked for a couple of hours, you can then open the hood to access the engine compartment. The oil drain plug is typically situated at the bottom of the engine and may be accessible from the top, bottom, or side, depending on the model and year of your Civic.

For example, the oil drain plug for the 1973-1983 Honda Civic is located at the bottom of the engine, whereas for the 2016-2021 Honda Civic, the oil drain plug is located underneath the car.

You may need to refer to the Honda Civic manual or consult a mechanic if you are having trouble locating the oil drain plug for your specific model and year. It is important to accurately identify the oil drain plug to avoid accidentally removing the wrong part.

Additionally, when purchasing a replacement oil drain plug, ensure that it is compatible with your Honda Civic's make and model.

Position an oil drain pan

Positioning an oil drain pan is a crucial step in changing the oil in your Honda Civic. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively and safely:

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Before positioning the oil drain pan, ensure you have a safe and comfortable workspace. Lift the passenger side of your car using a jack until you have enough room to work underneath. Alternatively, drive your car onto wheel ramps and secure the rear wheels with chocks. Place a jack stand behind the jack for added stability. Remember, never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Locate the Oil Drain Plug

Find the oil drain plug at the back of the oil pan, facing the rear of your car. Honda has conveniently stamped "Engine Oil" with an arrow pointing to the drain plug. This makes it easier to locate.

Step 3: Position the Oil Drain Pan

Place an oil drain pan under the oil pan, ensuring it is positioned to collect the draining oil. Make sure you are wearing protective gloves and eyewear to safeguard against any oil spills. Keep rags or towels nearby to wipe up any spills promptly.

Step 4: Loosen the Drain Plug

Using a 17 mm box end wrench, loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Once loosened, continue turning it by hand until it comes free and oil begins to drain. Examine the draining oil for any shiny specks or metal flakes, which could indicate engine issues.

Step 5: Prepare for Refill

While the oil is draining, wipe the drain plug with a clean rag and remove the old drain plug gasket. Install a new drain plug gasket, ensuring it covers the threads up to the head of the drain plug. You can use any standard metal or plastic 1/2" drain plug gasket.

Remember to follow the recommended oil change intervals for your Honda Civic and always use the specified oil type and grade for optimal engine performance and longevity.

Loosen the drain plug

To loosen the drain plug of your Honda Civic, first locate the 17 mm hex oil drain plug at the back of the oil pan, facing the rear of the car. Honda has helpfully stamped the words "Engine Oil" on the oil pan with an arrow pointing to the drain plug.

Place an oil drain pan under the oil pan so that it will collect the draining oil. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with motor oil. Be careful if your car has been running recently, as the engine and exhaust may be very hot. Keep rags or towels nearby to wipe up any spills.

Use a 17 mm box-end wrench to loosen the drain plug by three-quarters of a turn. Loosen the drain plug by hand until it comes free and oil begins to drain out of the oil pan. Watch for shiny specks in the draining oil, as metal flakes could indicate a serious problem.

While the old oil is draining, wipe the drain plug with a clean rag or towel and remove the old drain plug gasket. Place a new drain plug gasket over the threads, ensuring it is large enough to go all the way to the head of the drain plug. Any standard metal or plastic 1/2" drain plug gasket is appropriate, as long as it fits over the threads.

Once the oil has slowed to a drip, wipe the area around the drain plug with a clean rag or towel. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it with a box-end wrench until it is snug. Alternatively, you can use a torque wrench to verify that the plug is tightened to specification. The torque spec for the drain plug is 29 ft/lbs (39 Nm).

Do not over-tighten the drain plug, as you may risk stripping the threads or cracking the oil pan. It is better for the plug to be too loose than too tight, as you can always go back and tighten it later. If in doubt, verify the torque using a torque wrench.

Clean the drain plug

To clean the drain plug of your Honda Civic, follow these steps:

First, make sure that your vehicle has been parked and turned off for a couple of hours before starting the process. This is important because you don't want the oil in your car to be very hot when you're working with it, as you could burn yourself.

Now, locate the oil pan in the engine compartment and find the drain plug on the underside. Place a bucket under the plug to collect the drained oil, then remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely, which may take up to an hour or so.

Once the oil has finished dripping, you can clean the drain plug. Use a clean rag to wipe away any residual oil or debris from the plug and the surrounding area. Make sure that the plug is free of any dirt or grime before reinstalling it.

After cleaning, inspect the drain plug for any signs of damage or wear. Look for issues such as stripping, rounding, or corrosion. If the drain plug is damaged, it may need to be replaced. You can find replacement drain plugs specifically designed for your Honda Civic at auto parts stores or online.

If the drain plug is in good condition, you can proceed to the next step. Apply a fresh gasket or sealing washer to the plug. This will help ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks. You can reuse the old washer if it's in good condition, but it's generally recommended to use a new one.

Finally, reinstall the drain plug by threading it back into the oil pan. Tighten it by hand until it feels snug, and then use a torque wrench to tighten it further if needed. Be careful not to overtighten the plug, as this can lead to stripping or damage to the threads over time.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and maintain the drain plug of your Honda Civic, ensuring the proper function of your vehicle's oil system.

Frequently asked questions