Engine: Service and Repair

1. On models with coded theft protection, disable coded theft protection system as described under Accessories and Optional Equipment / Antitheft and Alarm Systems / Service and Repair.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable, then positive cable.
3. Remove grille attaching screws, then the grille.
4. Scribe reference in hood hinge area, then remove hood assembly.
5. Remove engine splash shield (if equipped).
6. Drain engine oil, then reinstall drain plug using new washer.
7. Drain radiator coolant into suitable container.
8. Drain transaxle lubricant, then reinstall drain plug using new washer. Tighten drain plug to specifications.
9. On models with fuel injected engine, proceed as follows:
a. Remove air intake duct, then the engine secondary ground cable.
b. On 1990-92 models, remove battery base.
c. On all models, disconnect air cleaner connecting tube assembly and all necessary vacuum tubes.
d. Remove air cleaner case attaching nuts, then the air cleaner case.
e. Remove throttle cable by loosening locknut and adjusting nut.
f. Disconnect ground cable at fuse box, then the engine compartment sub-harness connector and clamp.
g. Disconnect high tension wire and ignition primary leads at ignition coil.
h. Disconnect radio condenser electrical connector.
i. Relieve fuel pressure slowly, by loosening service bolt on fuel filter approximately one turn. Place a shop towel over fuel filter to prevent pressurized fuel from spraying over engine.
j. On 1990-92 models, remove fuel feed hose from fuel pipe.
k. On all models, disconnect fuel return hose from pressure regulator, then remove special nut and fuel hose.
l. On except 1990-92 models, disconnect emission hoses from tubing manifold.
m. On all models, disconnect two control box connectors, then lift box off its bracket and position aside.
n. Disconnect brake booster vacuum hose.
10. On models equipped with carbureted engine, proceed as follows:
a. Disconnect vacuum hoses as necessary, then remove air cleaner assembly.
b. Disconnect ignition coil primary and secondary wiring.
c. On models with A/C, remove idle control solenoid valve hoses.
d. On all models, remove air intake duct, hot air duct, power steering hose clamp bolt (if equipped), power brake booster vacuum hose, engine secondary ground cable and engine compartment wire harness connector(s).
e. Disconnect throttle cable from carburetor linkage. To prevent kinking, do not bend throttle cable while removing it. If cable should become kinked, replace it.
f. Disconnect control box No. 1 connector, then lift control box off mounting bracket and allow it to hang near engine.
g. Disconnect charcoal canister purge control solenoid valve vacuum hose.
h. Disconnect fuel hose from fuel filter.
i. Remove air jet controller (if equipped).
11. On all models, mark heater hoses for assembly reference, then remove radiator assembly. Do not disconnect heater valve cable.
12. On models equipped with manual transaxle, loosen clutch cable adjusting nut, then disconnect clutch cable from release arm.
13. On models equipped with automatic transaxle, disconnect transaxle cooler hoses and allow to drain. Position hoses aside.
14. On all models, remove transaxle ground cable and starter cable.
15. Remove cable clip from speedometer cable holder, then the speedometer cable. Do not remove speedometer cable holder as drive gear may fall into transaxle housing.
16. On models equipped with power steering, remove speed sensor with hoses attached and position aside, then remove power steering pump attaching bolts and position pump aside.
17. Remove sub-frame center beam, then loosen radius rod nuts. Remove exhaust header pipe.
18. On all models with A/C, disconnect compressor clutch lead wire then, remove compressor with pressure and return lines attached and position aside. It is not necessary to discharge A/C system.
19. On models with manual transaxle, disconnect shift lever torque rod from clutch housing, then remove shift rod yoke attaching bolt.
20. On models equipped with automatic transaxle, remove center console, then place shift lever in Reverse position and remove lock pin from end of shift cable. Remove cable mounting bracket bolts, then the cable. Remove throttle control cable from transaxle. When removing throttle control cable, loosen lower locknut only. If upper locknut is loosened, the transaxle shift points will be changed.
21. Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
22. Remove right and left side ball joints, then pry right and left side CV joints out of transaxle. Do not pull on axle shafts to remove them.
23. On models with fuel injection, disconnect sub-engine harness connectors and clamp.
24. Attach suitable hoist to engine, then raise engine slightly to remove load on engine mounts.
25. Remove three motor mount bolts, then push motor mount into motor mount tower.
26. Remove front and rear engine mount nuts.
27. Disconnect alternator wiring harness, then remove alternator assembly.
28. Remove rear torque rod to engine mounting bolt, then loosen torque rod to frame mounting bolt and swing torque rod out of the way.
29. Ensure all connections that would restrict engine/transaxle removal are removed.
30. Lift engine/transaxle assembly approximately six inches and repeat step 33.
31. Remove engine/transaxle assembly. After engine/transaxle removal, coat all machine surfaces with clean engine oil or grease to prevent rust and corrosion. Tie plastic bags over driveshaft ends.

Fig. 3 Engine Mount Tightening Sequence. 1989 Accord:

Fig. 4 Engine Mount Tightening Sequence. 1990-92 Accord:

32. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Refer to Figs. 3 and 4 for engine mount torque specifications.
b. When installing driveshafts, use new spring clips and ensure driveshafts click into groove in differential.
c. After refilling cooling system, refer to Cooling System/Service and Repair.
d. Adjust all control cables to carburetor and transaxle as necessary.