Repair Procedure

1. Remove and discard the oil filter. (This lets you get at the connecting pipe.)

2. Drain the coolant from the system. Use a clean container to collect the coolant, since you will be reusing the coolant later.





3. Detach the heater outlet hose and the coolant bypass hose from the connecting pipe.

4. Remove the connecting pipe mounting bolt.

5. Remove the air intake duct.

6. Unplug the 2P connector from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on the thermostat housing. Remove the two thermostat housing mounting bolts, and gently pull the housing away from the connecting pipe. (You do not need to fully remove the thermostat housing.) Discard the 0-ring.

7. Remove and discard the connecting pipe and 0-rings.





8. Use a maroon-colored Scotch-Brite pad to clean the engine block opening for the connecting pipe.

9. Place a new 0-ring on each end of the new connecting pipe. Lubricate both 0-rings with engine oil to prevent damage during installation.

10. Slide the connecting pipe into the engine block opening, and loosely reinstall the mounting bolt.

11. Position a new 0-ring on the back of the thermostat housing, and slide the connecting pipe into the housing, being careful not to damage the 0-ring.

12. Reinstall the thermostat housing mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to 12 N.m (8.7 lb-ft). Plug the 2P connector into the ECT sensor.

13. Reinstall the air intake duct.

14. Make sure the connecting pipe is properly installed and seated. Torque the mounting bolt to 12 N.m (8.7 lb-ft). Attach the heater outlet hose and the coolant bypass hose.

15. Install a new oil filter. (Do not reuse the old filter. The old gasket on the filter may not seal properly, causing oil leakage and possible engine failure.)

16. Refill the cooling system with the coolant you saved in step 2. Make sure you check for the correct protection level. If you need to add coolant, use only Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.

17. Start the engine, and bleed the cooling system (see page 10-11 of the 1998-02 Accord Service Manual). Make sure the heater control is set to MAX heat. Let the cooling fan cycle on and off several times.

18. Turn off the engine, and check the engine oil level. Add 5W-20 engine oil as needed.