Q: How to remove external components from an engine for the Honda Pilot?
A: It's much easier to remove the external components if the engine is mounted on a portable engine stand, which can often be rented quite cheaply from an equipment rental yard. Before the engine is mounted on a stand, the driveplate should be removed from the engine. If a stand isn't available, it's possible to remove the external engine components with it blocked up on the floor, but be extra careful not to tip or drop the engine when working without a stand. If you're going to obtain a rebuilt engine, all external components must come off first, to be transferred to the replacement engine. These components include the driveplate, ignition system components, emissions-related components, engine mounts and mount brackets, engine rear cover, intake/exhaust manifolds, fuel injection components, oil filter, spark plugs, thermostat and housing assembly, and water pump. When removing the external components from the engine, pay close attention to details that may be helpful or important during installation. Note the installed position of gaskets, seals, spacers, pins, brackets, washers bolts and other small items. If you're going to obtain a short block, then remove the timing belt, cylinder heads, oil pan, oil pump pick-up tube, oil pump and water pump from your engine so that you can turn in your old short block to the rebuilder as a core. Engine rebuilding alternatives provide additional information regarding the different possibilities to be considered.