Draining Coolant in 1995 Prelude Si

[Ziggymidget5]

I have a couple questions. I have to remove the head off my H23a and the Helm's manual says to drain the coolant from the block before removing it. First off, if I skip this step, is there any chance that coolant will spill into the cylinders when I remove the head? (I've already drained the radiator and head coolant) And secondly, if I need to drain the block, how do I get that bolt off? The reason I'm trying to avoid this step is only because I've been going at that bolt for a while and it won't budge. I'm sure I cold break the torque with an air tool, but the space a way too cramped, and when I try a socket with a breaker bar, the socket get kinda crocked, and it hasn't worked. Any advice on this problem is greatly appreciated, this is the last step before removing the easy to access bolts, and then the head is off! Thanks in advance.

[LittleGSEclipse]

If you have already drained the coolant from the head and the radiator then you should be fine.

If you want to take that bolt off spray it with some type of penetrating fluid (I like PB) let it sit for a while then try getting it off. If the socket keeps going crooked on you then you might be using a socket that is slightly too big. It should be a tight fit around the bolt and there should be enough room for it to move and get crooked. Good luck with that one.

[Ziggymidget5]

Alright, I'll probably keep trying just to be safe. As far as being crooked, I should probably explain. The socket is the right size, it's just that to fit in the space I have to use an extension, long enough, but not too long or it'll hit something else. So I'm using about 2 - 3" of an extension, and since I'm applying so much torque, it tends to go a little crooked rather than staying straight on with the bolt. I'll probably try some penetrating lubricant like you said though. Thanks.

[whtteg]

Try using something like a jack handle to slide over the breaker bar and then use one hand to turn the breaker bar and the other to hold the extension from moving. Also try using a 6 point socket instead of a 12 point one, they tend to grip a little better. Also are you tring this from the bottom or from above? I have found it easier to do from under the car. Just break it loose from under the car and then take the bolt the rest of the way out from above.

[Ziggymidget5]

Alright, I have been doing it from under the car. It's just hard to get my second hand up there because the stupid axle is in the way. I might try a different socket, that's an idea. I'm at school right now, so I'll probably try again on this saturday. Feel free to leave any more input, thanks again.

[whtteg]

How is the axle getting in the way? Are you sure you have the right bolt?

[Ziggymidget5]

Wish I had a pic, but it's above the axle, or atleast I think it's the axle, either way it's a bar going from wheel to wheel. So anyways, it's above that bar and more towards the front of the car, and I've tried many different combinations of socket extensions, and it's just hard to get an extension long enough to clear the axle (because the handle of the socket comes down past it), but short enough to not hit the next obstruction under the car. I really don't expect you to understand by my description, but I tried.

[LittleGSEclipse]

Did you try getting a swivel socket? That might help you out alittle bit. I got one from sears, paid like 10.00 for it but it was well worth the money. They really come in handy.

[Ziggymidget5]

Another thing I may check out this weekend, thanks.