Your welcome and thank you too!
To be fair ,I like tinkering around my cars, like sorting out issues and i enjoying this (while my lower back doesn't like) .
I would say 5 too. Not difficult and not complicated ,but need taking care of the very hardened wire looms and plugs ..
that's it really.

This was an 8 for me. I just have experience with oil changes. I have also had to change out the door actuator twice. This was the first time I had to remove the intake. I am still waiting for some parts to be delivered. I may not have had the courage to attempt it if Paul didn't do it first. I also cleaned out the throttle body and maf sensor for the first time. There is cover held on by 2 screws at the top of the throttle body that you can remove and clean as well. Mines wasn't too dirty.

You DOG! That's what I like to hear. You'll have have a real feeling of accomplishment when your done. 😁👍

Paul

I was able to crimp the wires together using the same method you recommended. The connection seems to be strong and I was able to perform the continuity test to the ecu. So far so good. I retaped the the harness using tessa and silcone tape. I saw that Honda makes a rodent tape but its on the pricey side so didn't want to have to order it and wait for it but it may be necessary if this happens again:

I also decided to hold off on replacing the starter for now.

I have to admit. Getting the starter out was a royal PITA. The plastic housing covering the contacts was fragile and those two bolts at the back were definitely not easy. I can definitely understand why you would pass on it. That's OK though. Once you get her back together and everything checks out, you will have the same sense of relief and pride. 😁

Paul

This is the wrench that the mechanic used in the youtube video to remove the starter bolts. It has the short socket that you said we need. I will probably buy this one when I need to remove the starter.

Paul,

I finally got everything hooked back up and on my first attempt to start it would not start. It turns out the battery voltage was 11.76v so I had to trickle charge it for 12 hours. Even though I disconnected the battery it still drained somehow. I think that is why you had problems starting it and thought it was your new starter. I had to top off the coolant because it was leaking coolant when the hoses was disconnected. Do you know when the engine actually draws coolant from the tank? Thanks and so far looks like this job was a success!

It draws coolant after the Thermostat opens. Congrats. 😁👍

Paul

sc888, were you referring to the overflow tank?
if so, it will draw from there after the engine has been shutdown and everything cools off from being at normal operating temperature…contraction causes a “vacuum” and fills any void with fluid.

btw, I hope you topped off the radiator.

Thanks for the explanation bgw70. I topped off the overflow reservoir but not the radiator.

Well Buddy. If it makes you feel any better, I have another coolant leak. Haven't had a chance to locate it yet. Bummer.

Paul

For me, I only noticed it leaking coolant when I unhooked the throttle body. I would start with looking at the hoses attached to the throttle body. Maybe wrap some napkins around them and see if they turn red after driving around. I dont think any of the other hoses we pulled to remove the intake carried coolant.

that is a huge bummer, sorry Paul.
I don’t remember if you replaced the radiator yet, so that could be the first place to look.

Thank you Sir. I'll get out there today and track it down. Whatever it is, it's very minor. I'll sort it out. 🙄

Paul

Guys, can I ask the intake manifold torque and pattern please.
Thanks

I fitted the rocker (valve) cover yesterday and replaced the pcv valve with the groomet too. Used black Wynn's gasket sealant for the valve cover frequented sections.
I'll put the manifold back tomorrow and lets see..

Bought a bottle of MMO . I want to try it in the oil 🤫😉