Flushed coolant acording to Hanes manual. Removing block drain plug was difficult. I could reach it with 1/2 inch drive ratchet with 3 inch extension,1/2 inch universal,and 6 point socket, but it was just torqued down way too tight to break.I could even get at it with 2 combination wrenches (19mm)end to end (if you know what I mean), again way to tight to break.

I bought a 1/2 inch driveby 15 inch longbreaker bar (about $15) and a 1/2 inch drive 6 point,19mm socket. Drained the oil, pulled the oil filter off so that I would have about 30 degrees of arch to work with - with the oil filter on there is only a scant 5 degrees of arch to work with. Placed the breaker bar on firmly , had a real solid fit, put 15 inch cheeter pipe on breaker and started squeezing down - busted loose with a loud pop. I would guess this plug was torqued down at least 80 ft/lbs..

For the few who have actually pulled this plug, they know this plug is nearly impossible to reach.To the left of the plug is the oil filter, to theright is a bracket fot the intake, from below the half shaft andexhaust pipe are in the way. There is a flange on the bottom of the engine block that makes it hard to evensee this plug.

I need to point out that I raised the car up about 14 inches on a ramp to work on it - used a bathroom mirror to watch as I drove the car up on the ramp.

I applied Neversieze liberally tothe automotive threads of this plug and put the aluminum crush washer back on , and only snugged it down. Replaced coolant and oil and ran engine and no leaks. So I hope as I replace my coolant every 2 years or 30,000 miles , that this plug comes out with just the 1/2 drive ratchet and universal next time - without having to remove the oil filter.

I may have taken it to a mechanic and they may have gotten this plug off with an impact wrench, but Honda dealer wanted $50 just to 'look at it' - don't know what the final bill would have been.

Tom.