How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold in a Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is known for reliability and economy. This SUV design uses unibody construction over four-wheel independent suspension instead of a truck frame. However, the CR-V doesn't offer a manual transmission. The following steps guide you through the removal and installation of the exhaust manifold in the single overhead cam engine in the 2001 to 2004 models.

Instructions

Remove the Exhaust Manifold

1

Take the negative battery cable from the terminal. Raise the front of the vehicle on jackstands. Make sure the supports are secure.

2

Unbolt the splash shield from under the engine and remove it. Remove the oxygen sensor electrical connectors (on D17A1 and D17A6 engines).

3

Apply penetrating to the fastener threads of the exhaust pipe and the heat shield. Allow it to soak in for several minutes. Unbolt the exhaust pipe from the manifold. Remove the heat shield.

4

Remove the exhaust manifold bracket, then loosen and remove the exhaust manifold nuts. Take the exhaust manifold from the cylinder head.

5

Pull out the gaskets and discard them. Use a scraper to remove any gasket debris and carbon deposits.

Install the Exhaust Manifold

6

Clean the exhaust manifold and cylinder head mating surfaces with solvent. Examine the surfaces for damage.

7

Set the new gasket in place and position the exhaust manifold on the cylinder head. Put the nuts in place and finger-tighten them.

8

Start at the center and work out towards the ends to tighten the nuts. Make three passes to torque the nuts to 23 foot pounds.

9

Use new upper bolts to install the heat shield. Torque the two upper bolts to 23 foot pounds. Tighten the other heat shield bolts securely.

10

Connect the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold with new bolts. Torque the bolts to 16 foot pounds.

11

Reconnect the other components in the reverse order of their removal. Connect the negative cable to the battery terminal.

12

Start the engine and allow it to warm up. Check for exhaust leaks between the exhaust manifold and head and between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe.