Removing Oil Pan From Mdx 3.5L: Step-By-Step Guide

The Acura MDX is a large SUV that has been in production since 2001. The oil pan on an Acura MDX can be replaced by DIYers, but it is not a simple task. The average cost for an Acura MDX oil pan replacement is between $480 and $523, while the parts themselves are priced around $313. The process involves draining the oil, removing the oil pan from the engine, cleaning the mating surfaces, applying a new gasket, and refilling the engine with oil.

Remove the exhaust pipes

To remove the exhaust pipes from your Acura MDX 3.5L, you will need to follow these steps:

First, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a jack and jack stands, or car ramps, to safely raise and support your vehicle. Basic hand tools such as sockets, ratchets, extensions, and wrenches will be needed to remove bolts and fasteners. It is also recommended to have a torque wrench to properly tighten the bolts when reassembling. Additionally, you will need new exhaust gaskets and clamps, as well as high-temperature spray paint if you plan to repaint the exhaust pipes.

Next, raise your vehicle and locate the exhaust pipes. Place a drain pan or tray underneath the exhaust system to catch any dripping fluids. Identify the bolts and clamps securing the exhaust pipes in place. Carefully loosen and remove these bolts and clamps, taking note of their locations for reassembly. You may need to detach any hangers or brackets that support the exhaust pipes.

Once all the fasteners are removed, carefully lower the exhaust pipes from the vehicle. Be cautious of any remaining fluids and avoid touching hot components. Place the removed pipes on a clean surface.

At this point, you can clean or repaint the exhaust pipes as desired. Use a metal polish or a mild abrasive, such as fine-grade steel wool, to remove any built-up residue or discolouration. If you choose to repaint the pipes, ensure you use high-temperature spray paint designed for automotive exhaust systems. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for proper application and curing.

Finally, reinstall the exhaust pipes by following the previous steps in reverse. Ensure you use new gaskets and clamps during reassembly to prevent leaks. Tighten the bolts securely, following the specified torque sequence and values provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

By following these steps, you can successfully remove the exhaust pipes from your Acura MDX 3.5L for cleaning, repainting, or replacement.

Drain the oil

To drain the oil from your Acura MDX, you will need to follow these steps:

First, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials. You will need a jack, jack stands, or car ramps (optional), a new oil filter, five quarts of oil, a metric socket set, a short ratchet extension, a ratchet universal joint, a torque wrench, and some old towels or rags. It is also recommended to have an oil drain container and a funnel to make the process easier and reduce mess.

Begin by jacking up the vehicle and securing it with jack stands, or using car ramps if you have them. Remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drain into the oil drain container. While the oil is draining, remove the exhaust J-pipe. This is the part of the exhaust that runs across the bottom of the oil pan. There are three bolts on each side of the engine, and two more connection points at the midsection of the car. Once these are removed, wiggle, tap, and tug until the entire front pipe comes off.

Now, put the oil drain plug back in. Spread out some old towels or rags underneath the oil pan to catch any dripping oil, and start removing the oil pan bolts. Begin on the driver's side, where there is a small cover and four large bolts connecting the oil pan to the transmission. After removing these, remove the remaining bolts, remembering that the small bolts are made of aluminium and can snap easily, so it is recommended to avoid using power tools for this part.

Once all the bolts are removed, wiggle, tap, and tug the oil pan until it comes loose and can be removed. Clean up any remaining oil with towels or rags, and wipe down the engine block mating surface.

At this point, you can proceed to install the new oil pan. It is recommended to use a liquid gasket and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper torque settings and bolt tightening sequence.

Finally, wait for the liquid gasket to cure before filling the oil. This typically takes around 48 hours.

By following these steps, you can successfully drain the oil and replace the oil pan on your Acura MDX.

Remove the steel plate

To remove the steel plate from your Acura MDX, you will need the following tools:

• Metric socket set
• Short ratchet extension
• Ratchet universal joint
• Exhaust gaskets (all three gaskets for the J-pipe)
• Red thread locker
• Tube of Honda Bond
• Torque wrench
• Jack
• Jack stands (optional)
• Car ramps (optional)
• Passenger-side tire (optional)

First, drain the oil and remove the small and big plastic trim pieces underneath the car. Then, you can remove the steel plate using a 14mm bolt.

• Drain the oil and remove the plastic trim pieces.
• Remove the steel plate with a 14mm bolt.
• Detach the exhaust pipe and set it aside.
• Remove the small steel cover where the engine meets the transmission with two 10mm bolts.
• Remove the oil pan by unscrewing four 17 bolts from the transmission and eighteen 10mm bolts from the engine block.
• Clean the engine block mating surface.
• Reattach a new oil pan with a liquid gasket.

It is worth noting that this process can be challenging if you are working with jack stands.

Detach the exhaust pipe

To detach the exhaust pipe, you will need to drain the oil and remove the small plastic trim and the big plastic trim underneath. Remove the steel plate (four 14mm bolts) and then detach the exhaust pipe and set it aside. This will expose the oil pan, which can then be removed.

• Drain the oil.
• Remove the small plastic trim and the big plastic trim underneath.
• Remove the steel plate using a 14mm bolt.
• Detach the exhaust pipe. Set it aside.
• Remove the small steel cover where the engine meets the transmission using a 10mm bolt.
• Remove the oil pan, which is secured by four 17 bolts and eighteen 10mm bolts.

It is important to note that this process is more challenging if you are working with jack stands. Additionally, the small bolts are made of aluminium and designed to snap easily, so it is recommended to avoid using power tools.

Once the oil pan is removed, you can continue with cleaning the engine block mating surface and reattaching a new pan with a liquid gasket.

Clean the engine block mating surface

To clean the engine block mating surface, you will need to remove any remaining gasket material from the surface. This can be done with a plastic scraper or a sharpened plastic scraper. If there are any stubborn pieces, a flat razor blade can be used, but be careful not to scratch the surface. Softer materials, such as plastic, should be used to avoid damaging the engine block. Once the surface is free of gasket material, clean it with a suitable solvent. Some options include mineral spirits, brake cleaner, acetone, or contact cleaner. After cleaning, rub some oil on the surface with a lint-free cloth.

It is important to take your time and be careful during this process to avoid damaging the engine block mating surface. This surface should also be checked for flatness after cleaning.

Frequently asked questions