H-T,

I cracked my oil pan a few weeks ago and will be replacing it as soon it comes in the mail. I am wondering if I need to remove the down pipe in order to remove the oil pan? My friend said that he didn't have to do it, but I called Honda and they said you do need to remove it. I looked under the car and found there are two screws directly above the down pipe with very limited space to put a wrench in and remove it. The Haynes and Honda manual don't mention anything about removing the downpipe, althought he Haynes shows the removal of the oil pan without the downpipe in the way. Thanks for your help

 

I'd remove it regardless. You'll spend more time trying to get to the bolts w/ the DP on rather than taking a few extra minute to remove the DP prior to the oil pan.

It'll be much easier to remove everything plus you'll have the extra room.