engine HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Owner's Guide

If the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
add a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water to bring it up to MAX. If there is no coolant visible on the dipstick, the cooling system
should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary. Coolantmust then be added to the radiator.

CAUTION:

Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled

coolant from painted surfaces.

Wait until the engine is cool, then turn the radiator cap counterclock-wise until it stops. DO NOT PRESS DOWN WHILE TURNING THECAP. After any remaining pressure has been relieved, remove the
cap by pressing down and again turning it counterclockwise. Add
enough coolant to fill the radiator, and reinstall the cap. Be sure to
tighten it securely. Fill the reserve tank up to the MAX mark with
the engine cold.

Maintenance
1. Check the freeze protection level of the coolant with a hydrometer.
2. Keep the front of the radiator free of dirt and debris.

3. Check hoses and hose clamps regularly.

(cont'd)
MAX
MIN
RESERVE TANKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Cooling System (cont'd)
Thermostat The thermostat in the cooling system does not need to be changedfor summer or winter operation. However, for extremely cold
climates, an optional thermostat is available from your Honda dealer.
Replacing CoolantReplace coolant at 36 months or 45,000 miles (72,000 km),
whichever comes first. Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
RADIATOR COOLANT
REFILL CAPACITY:
including reserve tank 0.75 l (0.198 US gal, 0.165 Imp gal)

Manual transmission 2.0 S: 5.15 l (1.361 US gal, 1.133 Imp gal)
2.0 Si,Si: 6.15 l (1.625 US gal, 1.353 Imp gal)

Automatic transmission 2.0S:5.85 l (1.546 US gal, 1.287 Imp gal)

2.0 Si,Si: 6.15 l (1.625 US gal, 1.353 Imp gal)

1. Set the heater temperature lever to maximum heat.
2. Remove the radiator cap and loosen the drain plug when the radiator is cool, and drain the radiator.
RADIATOR
CAP BLEED BOLT
DRAIN BOLT
3. Remove the drain bolt from the front side of the cylinder block, and drain the engine and heater.
4. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads, then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely.
5. Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
DRAIN

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6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low-
mineral or distilled water and fill the reservoir to maximum, as
illustrated.
7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten thebleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream
without bubbles.
8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, addmore coolant mixture to bring the level back up to the filter neck.
9. Put the radiator cap on, then run the engine again and check for
leaks.
Fill to

here

Fill to here

FILLER
NECKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs should be replaced every 24 months or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever comes first.
Recommended spark plugs: (2.0S)
For all normal driving

BCPR5EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR5E-11 (NGK)

Q16PR-U11 (ND)

For hot climates or continuous high speed driving
BCPR6EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR6E-11 (NGK)
BCPR7EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR7E-11 (NGK)

Q20PR-U11 (ND) Q22PR-U11 (ND)

(2.0Si,Si)
For all normal driving

ZFR5F-11 (NGK) KJ16CR-L11 (ND)
For hot climates or continuous high speed driving ZFR6F-11 (NGK) KJ20CR-L11 (ND)
Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start
automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes, even
after the engine is turned off.
CAUTION:
Never use spark plugs with an improper heat range; they will
adversely affect engine performance and durability.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Spark Plug Replacement

Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. 1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, then remove and discard the old
plug.

3. Check the gap of the new spark plugs before installation.
Plug gap should be:

1.1 mm (0.04 in)

4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
6. Reinstall the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened.A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the
engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in thecylinder head.
PLUG CAPProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Fuel Filters/Clutch Fluid

Fuel Filters
(2.0 S)
There are two fuel filters in your car; the main filter is located near
the left side of the fuel tank and an auxiliary filter is at the left side
of the air filter in the engine compartment. Both should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months,
whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas
may have clogged them.

For easier access to the main filter, remove the left rear wheel to
inspect or replace the filter.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment, on the right
center of the firewall. It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect

contaminated gas may have clogged it.

CAUTION:
Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be
replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.

CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR

Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the clutchreservoir periodically; it should be
between the MAX and MIN marks
on the reservoir.
If the level is near the MIN mark, add

fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid

manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4

specifications from a sealed

container. Follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the can.
NOTE:

A low clutch fluid level may be an indication of clutch fluid leakage.
You should have your clutch checked if the clutch fluid level in the reservoir is low.
When removing the rear wheel, use safety stands to support the
car.

AUXILIARYFILTER

(2.0 Si,Si)
MAIN FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Power Steering
The power steering on your car provides easy handling while parking and maneuvering in traffic, without loss of road "feel" at
highway speeds. An engine-driven hydraulic pump provides full
power assist at low speeds and decreasing assist as the car goes

faster.

CAUTION:

If the power steering system should fail, or if the engine should
stall, the car can still be steered. However, much greater effort will be required, particularly in sharp turns at low speed.

NOTE:

You may feel a slight clunk or knock when turning the wheel with
the engine off. This is a normal condition due to the design of the system.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid level with the engine cold and the
car parked on level ground. Make sure the fluid level is between theupper and lower marks on the reservoir. If the level has dropped
close to or below the lower mark, check for leaks before adding
fluid to the upper mark. Do not overfill.

CAUTION:

Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other
fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system. POWER STEERING

FLUID RESERVOIR

UPPER

LOWERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Brakes

Brake System Design
The diagonally-separated dual service brake systemis designed so half the
system will still provide
braking action if the other
half fails.However, stopping the car with only half the system will require
more pedal pressure and pedal travel than normal. Also, the distance
required to stop will be longer using only half the brake system. If
the brakes fail suddenly, downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking, and pull off the road as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to drive your car with a problem in either the
brake electrical or hydraulic system; have your dealer check
both systems if you suspect brake trouble. Do not ride the brakes, In other words, don't put your foot on
the brake pedal unless you intend to brake. This causes excessive brake wear and can damage, or lead to loss of braking
effectiveness through overheating. Your brake lights may also
confuse drivers behind you.Driving through deep water may affect the brakes.
Check their effectiveness by pressing the brake pedal gently.If the car does not slow down at the normal rate, continue
gently applying the brakes, while maintaining a safe speed, until
they dry out and normal performance returns.
Brake Wear
Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the
intervals shown in the maintenance schedule on page 78
When the brakes require maintenance, use only genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent.
Brake Wear Indicators
Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the
brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a "screeching" sound or a high pitch chirp.

NOTE:

Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when
you first apply them or when you have them partially applied; this is normal, and does not indicate excessive wear. The wear indicator
makes a "screeching" sound while the brakes are applied.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Fuse Replacement (cont'd)

CAUTION:

A blown fuse may be just a symptom of some other problem. If a new fuse blows right away, the cause should be diagnosed and
corrected by a qualified Honda technician. Never replace a fuse with anything but another fuse of the same or lower rating. A
higher capacity fuse could cause damage and even start a fire.

The main fuse and some primary fuses are installed in the fuse box
on the right front fender in the engine compartment.
MAIN FUSE: (65A) SUNROOF FUSE: (35A)

If the circuits from the battery are ever overloaded (by a short in
the system drawing too much current for example) the main or a primary fuse will blow, preventing damage to the entire wiring
harness. If the main fuse blows, have a Honda dealer check the
system, repair the cause, and replace the fuse.

CAUTION:
The electrical system is protected by fuses that are designed to
fail and prevent damage to the wire harness. Always replaceblown fuses with the same rating as specified to prevent wiring
damage that can result in a possible fire.
For proper electrical contact after replacing these fuses, make
sure all screws are tight.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Air Conditioner Care
Condenser and Radiator
Check the engine radiator and the air conditioner condenser (in front
of the radiator) for accumulated dirt, insects or leaves. Carefully brush or hose them off to assure maximum cooling performance.

CAUTION:

Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged; do
not bend them with the high water pressure or brush.
Compressor Drive Belt Check the compressor bett tension monthly, during periods when
you use the air conditioner a lot.
If the engine has been running, some engine components may be
hot enough to burn you.
When pushed with 98 N (22 Ib) of force midway between the
compressor drive pulley and the engine crankshaft pulley, the beltshould deflect about: 10-12 mm (0.4—0.5 in)
ADJUSTER COMPRESSOR DRIVE
PULLEY
CRANKSHAFT
PULLEYProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s