engine
Freeze Plugs - All
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
8.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete replacement of all engine block freeze plugs on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbo engine, requiring engine removal or significant disassembly for access.
Warnings
⚠️Engine must be completely cool before beginning work. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
⚠️Ensure engine is properly supported at all times when suspension or mounting points are removed. Engine drop can cause serious injury or death.
⚠This procedure requires significant engine disassembly or partial removal. All freeze plugs are not accessible without removing engine from vehicle or dropping subframe.
⚠Coolant is toxic to pets and children. Dispose of properly and clean all spills immediately.
ℹ️Take photos during disassembly for reference during reassembly. Label all electrical connectors and hoses.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Engine hoist or support fixtureEssential
Freeze plug installation driver setEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential
Drain pan (large capacity)Essential
Wire brush and gasket scraperEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Engine freeze plug set (6 plugs for 1.5L turbo) × 1 — Use OEM Honda freeze plug kit
- Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine side cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing cover gasket or sealant × 1 — Honda Bond HT or equivalent
- Permatex anaerobic sealant or equivalent × 1 — For freeze plug installation
- Various engine gaskets and seals × 1 — Assess condition during disassembly
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt
- Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from terminal
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
- Remove engine cover and plastic shrouding from top of engine
- Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container
- Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
- Remove front wheels and raise vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
- Remove engine splash shields and undertray
Procedure
- 1Remove accessory drive componentsRemove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise. Remove alternator and set aside with electrical connections intact if possible. Remove A/C compressor mounting bolts and secure compressor to frame without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Remove power steering pump if applicable (this model uses electric steering).Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect engine electrical and vacuum connectionsDisconnect all electrical connectors from engine including ignition coils, fuel injectors, cam/crank sensors, MAP sensor, and throttle body. Label each connection. Disconnect vacuum lines and PCV hoses. Remove engine wiring harness from retaining clips and position away from engine.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 3Remove intake and exhaust componentsRemove intake manifold assembly by disconnecting throttle body, fuel rail (relieve fuel pressure first), and all associated vacuum lines. Remove turbocharger heat shields. Disconnect exhaust downpipe from turbocharger at flange. Support exhaust system to prevent strain on rear hangers.⚠️Relieve fuel system pressure before disconnecting fuel lines. Fuel under pressure can spray and cause fire or injury.Torque specGasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
- 4Remove coolant hoses and radiator connectionsDisconnect upper and lower radiator hoses from engine. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall connections. Remove coolant bypass hoses from thermostat housing and block. Cap all open coolant ports to prevent debris entry.
- 5Support engine and remove motor mountsInstall engine support fixture across engine bay or attach engine hoist to engine lifting eyes. Take up slight tension to support engine weight. Remove upper engine mount bolts and brackets. Remove side engine mount through-bolts and lower mounts from subframe. Engine should now be fully supported by hoist/fixture only.⚠️Verify engine is securely supported before removing final mount bolts. Use rated lifting equipment only.Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 6Remove transmission mounting and separate (partial)Remove lower transmission-to-engine mounting bolts accessible from underneath. It is not necessary to fully remove transmission, but creating separation allows engine repositioning for freeze plug access. Support transmission with jack. Carefully shift engine forward and to passenger side for maximum access to block.Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 7Remove timing cover and side coversRemove timing chain cover bolts and carefully pry cover away from block. Remove engine side cover on passenger side of block. This provides access to some freeze plugs. Inspect timing components while exposed and replace if worn.⚠Do not damage timing cover sealing surfaces. Clean all old gasket material thoroughly before reassembly.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 8Locate and identify all freeze plugsThe 1.5L turbo engine typically has 6 freeze plugs: 2-3 on passenger side of block (now visible), 2-3 on driver side (accessible from underneath/side), and 1-2 on rear of block near transmission bell housing. Verify location of all plugs before proceeding. Clean area around each plug thoroughly.
- 9Remove old freeze plugsUsing freeze plug removal tool or punch, create a small dimple on one edge of freeze plug. Carefully drive punch at angle to rotate plug edge inward. Once edge is gripped, pry plug out with pliers or slide hammer. Alternatively, drill small hole in center and use slide hammer with screw adapter. Remove all six freeze plugs. Inspect plug bores for corrosion, pitting, or damage.⚠Do not damage freeze plug bore surfaces. Excessive force or improper technique can crack engine block.
- 10Prepare freeze plug boresClean each freeze plug bore thoroughly with wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, scale, and old sealant. Inspect bore for cracks or erosion. Bore surface must be smooth and clean for proper plug sealing. Dry completely with compressed air or lint-free cloth.
- 11Install new freeze plugsApply thin bead of anaerobic sealant around outer edge of new freeze plug as specified. Position freeze plug in bore with cup side facing inward (concave toward coolant passages). Using appropriately sized freeze plug installation driver, tap plug squarely into bore until seated flush or slightly below block surface (0.5-1.0mm). Ensure plug seats evenly around entire circumference. If torque specification applies to threaded freeze plugs, apply sealant to threads and torque to specification.⚠Freeze plug must be installed perfectly square to bore. Cocked or misaligned plug will leak and require engine disassembly to repair.Torque specFreeze Plug10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall timing cover and side coversInstall new timing cover gasket or apply Honda Bond HT sealant as specified in service manual. Reinstall timing cover and torque bolts in sequence from center outward. Install new side cover gasket and reinstall cover. Torque all fasteners to specification.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall engine mounts and lower engineRealign engine with transmission and install lower transmission-to-engine bolts. Reinstall all engine mounts and torque mounting bolts to specification. Verify all mounts are properly seated. Carefully lower engine onto mounts and remove hoist/support fixture.Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 14Reconnect all engine systemsReinstall intake manifold, turbocharger connections, and exhaust downpipe with new gaskets. Reconnect all coolant hoses with new clamps. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and fuel system. Reinstall accessory drive components (alternator, A/C compressor). Install new serpentine belt. Reinstall engine covers and splash shields.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)Gasket Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 15Refill fluids and bleed cooling systemInstall new oil filter and refill engine with 4 quarts Honda 0W-20 oil. Refill cooling system with 6 quarts Honda Type 2 Blue coolant using proper fill procedure and air bleed adapter to remove all air pockets. Run engine to operating temperature with heater on full hot and verify no leaks from freeze plugs or other disturbed components. Top off coolant as needed after burping system.
Reassembly
- Torque all fasteners to specified values in proper sequence
- Replace all gaskets and seals that were disturbed during disassembly
- Use new coolant hose clamps where original clamps were removed
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Double-check that all tools and rags are removed from engine bay before starting
Verification
- Start engine and verify smooth idle with no unusual noises
- Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify cooling fan operation
- Inspect all freeze plug locations for coolant leaks with engine at operating temperature
- Check for coolant leaks at all disturbed hose connections and gasket surfaces
- Verify no oil leaks from timing cover or side covers
- Test drive vehicle and recheck all fluid levels after cool down
- Monitor coolant level over next several days and top off as air pockets work out of system