Removing The Engine Oil Pan In A 2008 Honda Civic

Removing the engine oil pan from a 2008 Honda Civic is a complex process that requires mechanical knowledge and skills. The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and is responsible for holding the engine oil. To remove it, one must first drain the oil and then proceed to remove the oil pan from the engine. This may involve raising the vehicle or removing the front subframe. It is important to note that the oil pan is bolted to the engine block, and an oil pan gasket is used to prevent oil leaks. When removing the oil pan, it is crucial to take caution and use the appropriate tools and techniques to avoid damage to the vehicle.

Jack up the car and locate the oil drain plug

Jacking up your car is a necessary step in removing the oil pan of your 2008 Honda Civic. This step allows you to access the oil drain plug, which is located at the back of the oil pan, facing the rear of the car. Here is a detailed guide on how to jack up your car and locate the oil drain plug:

Preparing to Jack Up the Car

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary equipment, including a jack, jack stand, and safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection. It is crucial to work with caution and follow the correct procedure to avoid any potential hazards.

Jacking Up the Car

• Place the jack at the jacking point on the front passenger side: Position the jack on the thicker metal part just behind the front wheel, known as the pinch weld. This location provides a stable base for lifting the car.
• Lift the passenger side of the car: Use the jack to raise the passenger side of the vehicle until you have ample space to comfortably work underneath. Ensure that the car is lifted high enough for you to access the oil pan and drain plug.
• Alternatively, use wheel ramps: If preferred, you can drive the front of the car onto wheel ramps. Remember to chock the rear wheels to secure the vehicle.
• Use jack stands for stability: For added stability and safety, place a jack stand immediately behind the jack on the pinch weld. This provides a secure support for the car while you work.
• Lower the car onto the jack stand: Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stand and then remove the jack. Consult your jack's user manual if you are unsure about the lowering procedure.
• Never work alone under a car supported only by a jack: Always use jack stands and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents.

Locating the Oil Drain Plug

• Find the oil drain plug: With the car securely raised, locate the oil drain plug at the back of the oil pan. Honda has conveniently stamped the words "Engine Oil" on the oil pan, with an arrow pointing towards the drain plug.
• Position an oil drain pan: Place an oil drain pan under the oil pan to collect the draining oil. This ensures that the old oil is captured and can be disposed of properly.
• Wear protective gear: When working with motor oil, always wear gloves and eye protection. Engine components can become very hot, so exercise caution and keep rags or towels nearby to wipe up any spills.
• Prepare to loosen the drain plug: Use a 17 mm box-end wrench to loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Continue turning until the plug is loosened and can be removed by hand.
• Check the draining oil: As the oil drains, watch for shiny specks or metal flakes. While some metal flakes are normal, an excessive amount could indicate engine issues.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely jack up your 2008 Honda Civic and locate the oil drain plug, allowing you to proceed with removing the oil pan. Remember to work cautiously and refer to the owner's manual for any additional information or specifications for your vehicle.

Place an oil drain pan under the oil pan

To place an oil drain pan under the oil pan of a 2008 Honda Civic, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure you have the right oil drain pan for your vehicle. There are many options available, from basic plastic oil pans to more complex models with wheels and pumps. Consider the capacity, profile, and ease of transportation when choosing your oil drain pan. It should be noted that a basic plastic oil pan will get the job done, but there are benefits to choosing a model with additional features. For example, an oil drain pan with a pump will make it easier to transfer the used oil to a transport container. Additionally, an oil drain pan with a strainer will help catch oil drain plugs and crush washers, preventing them from being lost.

Once you have selected the appropriate oil drain pan, position it under the oil pan of your 2008 Honda Civic. Ensure that the oil drain pan is securely placed and will not move or tip over during the oil drainage process. You may need to adjust the height of the vehicle or the oil drain pan to ensure a proper fit. It is crucial to wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with motor oil. Additionally, use rags or towels to wipe up any spills or leaks.

By following these steps, you can effectively place an oil drain pan under the oil pan of your 2008 Honda Civic, ensuring a safe and proper oil drainage process. Remember always to dispose of used oil responsibly by taking it to a designated hazardous waste disposal site or a local auto parts store for recycling.

Loosen the drain plug with a wrench

To loosen the drain plug with a wrench, you'll need to follow a few important steps. Firstly, it's crucial to ensure your safety by allowing the car to cool down before beginning any work. Engine oil can become extremely hot, and you don't want it splashing on you. So, make sure the car has been turned off for a while before you start.

Once the car has cooled, locate the drain plug at the back of the oil pan. Honda has conveniently stamped "Engine Oil" with an arrow pointing to the drain plug, making it easier to find. Position an oil drain pan under the oil pan to collect the draining oil. This will ensure that the oil is properly contained during the process.

Now, it's time to use the correct tool for the job. You'll need a 17 mm box-end wrench to loosen the drain plug. Use the wrench to loosen the drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. You should turn it about 3/4 of a turn with the wrench.

After you've loosened it with the wrench, finish loosening the drain plug by hand. Turn it counter-clockwise until it comes free and oil begins to drain out. Be careful during this step, as you don't want the oil to spill. Hold the plug in place as you unscrew it, and assume the oil will come out with some force initially.

By following these steps, you'll be able to safely and effectively loosen the drain plug on your 2008 Honda Civic with a wrench. Remember to work with caution and always prioritize your safety when working on your vehicle.

Clean the drain plug and remove the old gasket

To clean the drain plug and remove the old gasket of a 2008 Honda Civic, follow these steps:

First, locate the drain plug at the back of the oil pan, facing the rear of the car. Honda has conveniently stamped the words "Engine Oil" on the oil pan with an arrow pointing to the drain plug. Once located, use a 17 mm box-end wrench to loosen the drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. Loosen the drain plug by hand until it comes free and oil begins to drain. While the oil is draining, use a clean rag or towel to wipe off any excess oil from the drain plug and the surrounding area.

Now, let's focus on the gasket. The gasket is a small, crush washer that sits between the drain plug and the oil pan to prevent oil leaks. It is important to replace this gasket periodically to ensure a tight seal and prevent oil dripping. The frequency of replacement depends on the type of gasket your car has. Some gaskets are reusable and can be used multiple times before needing replacement. Others, like copper washers, are designed to be deformed when tightened and should be replaced each time you change your oil.

To remove the old gasket, simply use your fingernail to scrape it off. It should come off easily, but be careful not to apply too much force as you don't want to damage the drain plug threads. Once removed, inspect the gasket for any signs of deterioration or damage. If the gasket looks deteriorated, it's a good idea to replace it with a new one. You can find replacement gaskets at most auto parts stores or online. Make sure to get the correct size and type of gasket for your vehicle.

Before installing the new gasket, clean the drain plug and the area around it thoroughly to ensure no dirt or debris interferes with the seal. You can use a clean rag or towel for this. Once you're satisfied that everything is clean and dry, you can proceed to install the new gasket and tighten the drain plug according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Reinstall the drain plug and tighten

Once the oil has slowed to a drip, wipe off 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 spec. The torque spec for the drain plug is 29 ft./lbs. (39 Nm). Do not over-tighten the drain plug. You may risk stripping the threads or cracking the oil pan. It's better that it be too loose, rather than too tight, because you can always go back later and tighten it. If in doubt, verify the torque using a torque wrench.

Frequently asked questions