The CR-V will outlive this rusted out and leaking heat pipe. It is behind the engine cover (two bolts) air intake manifold (six bolts) throttle body (four bolts) air filter housing (two bolts and various clamps and connector tubes). It also helps to remove the battery. It will be necessary to remove some electrical connectors and other connector tubes. Take pictures before removing these. There is one intake manifold bolt that can or may be removed from below the vehicle. Watch a YouTube video first as there are many available. The stealership quoted over $850.00 for this job plus another $250.00 for the antifreeze flush. You will lose some but not all of the antifreeze. One gallon is needed if not flushing the engine cooling system. Beware that this heat pipe usually breaks off inside the thermostat housing! This last piece with o-ring attached can be removed with pliers, side cutters, picks or various other pry tools. Be careful not to damage the plastic thermostat housing! Flush the hole with a solid stream of distilled water to remove the rusty debris! Use a pry bar from above to press the new pipe into the hole and be sure it seats properly. Complete the replacement process in reverse order then fill with 50% antifreeze/distilled water and purge the engine cooling system with the heat on high blower speed until the cooling fans come on at least twice. Check for any leaks constantly! I would have happily paid $100-$200 more for this part to be made with stainless steel at the factory installation for this pipe. D.I.Y.
The CR-V will outlive this rusted out and leaking heat pipe. It is behind the engine cover (two bolts) air intake manifold (six bolts) throttle body (four bolts) air filter housing (two bolts and various clamps and connector tubes). It also helps to remove the battery. It will be necessary to remove some electrical connectors and other connector tubes. Take pictures before removing these. There is one intake manifold bolt that can or may be removed from below the vehicle. Watch a YouTube video first as there are many available. The stealership quoted over $850.00 for this job plus another $250.00 for the antifreeze flush. You will lose some but not all of the antifreeze. One gallon is needed if not flushing the engine cooling system. Beware that this heat pipe usually breaks off inside the thermostat housing! This last piece with o-ring attached can be removed with pliers, side cutters, picks or various other pry tools. Be careful not to damage the plastic thermostat housing! Flush the hole with a solid stream of distilled water to remove the rusty debris! Use a pry bar from above to press the new pipe into the hole and be sure it seats properly. Complete the replacement process in reverse order then fill with 50% antifreeze/distilled water and purge the engine cooling system with the heat on high blower speed until the cooling fans come on at least twice. Check for any leaks constantly! I would have happily paid $100-$200 more for this part to be made with stainless steel at the factory installation for this pipe. D.I.Y.
- DM W., Ann Arbor, MI, US