1998 HONDA PRELUDE radiator

Safety Labels

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.

Driver and Passenger Safety

HOOD
RADIATOR CAP
Canadian models

SUN VISOR

U.S. models

DASH BOARD

U.S. models onlyProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Service Station Procedures

4. Remove the dipstick again and check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see Adding Oil on page 173. Engine Coolant Check
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 177 for
information on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 171 for information
on checking other items in your
Honda.

Before Driving
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
MAX
MIN
RESERVE TANKProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See page 123. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 124.
Windshield washer fluid — Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 182. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
183.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 185. Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
197.

Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 203.

MaintenanceProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

Adding Engine Coolant
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda
antifreeze/coolant. If it is not
available, you may use anothermajor-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible. If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

RESERVE TANK

Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing downon it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.

4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.

6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.
Maintenance RADIATOR CAP
RESERVE TANKProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or engine components.
Replacing Engine Coolant
The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only useGenuine Honda antifreeze/coolant.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the vehicle. Unless you have the tools and
knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic. 1. Slide the heater temperature
control lever to maximum heat.Open the hood. Make sure the
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
2. Remove the radiator cap. 3. Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. Thecoolant will come out through the
hole in the splash cover.

CONTINUED

Maintenance
DRAIN PLUG
Type SHProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

Except Type SH only

Remove the drain bolt and washer
from the engine block. 4. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the
bottom of the radiator.
Except Type SH only

Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads, put a new washer
on the drain bolt, and reinstall the
bolt in the engine block. Tighten it

securely.

Tightening torque:
61 Ibf .
ft (83 N .
m , 8.5 kgf .
m)

6. Mix the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purified
or distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:

With 5-speed manual transmission:

(Except Type SH)
0.87 US gal (3.3 l , 0.73 Imp gal)
(TypeSH)
0.85 US gal (3.2 l ,0.70 Imp gal)

With automatic transmission:

0.85 US gal (3.2 l , 0.70 Imp gal)

Maintenance
DRAIN BOLT

Except

Type SH
DRAIN PLUG

HOLDERRESERVE

TANK CAP
RESERVE TANK
ProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

7. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of
the engine. Tighten it again whencoolant comes out in a steady
stream with no bubbles.
9. Refill the radiator to the base of the filler neck. Start the engineand let it run until it warms up (the
radiator cooling fan comes on at
least twice). 10. Turn off the engine. Check the
level in the radiator, add coolant if
needed. Install the radiator cap,
and tighten it fully.
11. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.

Maintenance

FILLER NECK
RESERVE TANK
BLEEDER BOLT
Fill up to hereProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t