so this thing is like hondabonded shut... there are 2 bolt holes on the bottom and side of the pan, do I run bolts through and just tighten the hell out of it? I've tried prying but I can't even get anything in between the pan and the block and Im afraid of messing up the mating surface.

 

Is this a 5Gen? What we've found that works best is to remove all the bolts for the oil pan and engine stiffener, and don't forget the two nuts for the oil pan. Remove the engine stiffener, and put some flat stock between the engine stiffener and the block. Then install the bolt between the engine stiffener and the oil pan. Tighten it some, and the oil pan should separate from the block without too much trouble. It's the best method I've found.

 

by flat stock, you mean wood?

 

Wood, metal, whatever. You only need something 3/16" to 1/4" thick.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 117 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is this a 5Gen? What we've found that works best is to remove all the bolts for the oil pan and engine stiffener, and don't forget the two nuts for the oil pan. Remove the engine stiffener, and put some flat stock between the engine stiffener and the block. Then install the bolt between the engine stiffener and the oil pan. Tighten it some, and the oil pan should separate from the block without too much trouble. It's the best method I've found. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Can you further explain this? I'm a bit confused. I'm trying to take mine off as well but having problems.

Maybe some pictures?
Engine stiffner?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 117 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is this a 5Gen? What we've found that works best is to remove all the bolts for the oil pan and engine stiffener, and don't forget the two nuts for the oil pan. Remove the engine stiffener, and put some flat stock between the engine stiffener and the block. Then install the bolt between the engine stiffener and the oil pan. Tighten it some, and the oil pan should separate from the block without too much trouble. It's the best method I've found. </TD></TR></TABLE>


He means the aluminum plate that covers the flywheel. Remove it. Then put the 14mm bolt into one of the threads for the flywheel cover. Then use that bolt to pry with wood. That or use a rubber mallet to knock the oil pan somewhat loose. Some of the 5th gens are a real bitch to remove.