Tune up and Maintance Question

[hondagirl23]

I have a 98 Accord Ex. No service except oil/filter change and air filter since 75,000 miles. At 105,000 miles now. Getting ready to have timing belt package done. Includes T. belt,Balance shaft belt, water pump,Outer drive belts and coolant. Dealer gave me a check off sheet of maintenance schedule for "severe conditions," which I don't think we have. Since I am gonna have it in the shop (a honda tech but not the dealer) What else should be replaced?
have heard a Ac filter mentioned before.
Also how hard is it to do a tune up? Just change plugs, rotor ? Do they still have a rotor, condensor? Change wires? cap? adjust valves? tranny fluid, brake fluid , fuel filter?
As you can see i am not mechanically inclined.I change oil, filters,bulbs, wiper blades and tires .Would like to change easy parts to save a little money but don't want a stalled car in the yard because of my screw up.
Thanks in advance....

[woofhaven]

Note that Honda defines "severe" driving conditions as (1) driving in temperatures in excess of 90 degrees F; (2) trips less than 5 miles (or less than 10 miles in below freezing temperatures); (3) extensive idling or stop-and-go driving; (4) trailer towing or mountain driving; or (5) driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Assuming none of the above applies, here is what the Honda shop manual states is the regular maintenance for "normal" driving conditions between 75,000 and 105,000 miles:

1. Replace coolant (at 75,000 miles and 105,000 miles)
2. Parking brake adjustment (every 15,000 miles)
3. Rotate tires (every 7,500 miles)
4. Replace transmission fluid (at 90,000 miles)
5. Replace brake fluid (at 90,000 miles)
6. Replace timing belt and balancer belt (at 105,000 miles)
7. Check / adjust idle speed (at 105,000 miles) - should be 650 rpm + or - 50 rpm

Note: Honda also recommends regular (every 15,000 miles) inspection of suspension, tie rod ends, drive shaft boots, brake lines and hoses, cooling system hoses, and exhaust system.

Also, even though these items do not appear in the service interval of 75,000 miles to 105,000 miles, the following three things SHOULD have been done at 60,000 miles and if they were not, it is time:

1. Inspect / replace as needed drive belts
2. Replace spark plugs
3. Replace air filter
4. Replace A/C filter

Finally, note that Honda no longer recommends replacement of the water pump as part of the timing belt replacement. The water pump should be inspected at the time the timing belt is replaced, but replaced only if necessary. Many people replace the water pump anyway, because it is easy to access when the timing belt is out of the car, but I subscribe to the philosophy, "if it ain't broke..."

[deaz]

Also the Cabin air filter(AC filter) is easy to replace. I just did mine a few months ago. All you have to do is pull off the passenger side kickplate, the glovebox, and then pull off one of the bars thats right in front of the air filter holder. You can't miss it. It'll be a vertically positioned filter, and it takes two of them. I think it only costs around 10-15 bucks for the replacements. So, just pull the two old ones out, clean the holders off, pop the new ones in, and then do the reverse of de-installation...

[hondagirl23]

''Severe conditions'' is a gray area. I live in Florida, so like many I have a few days over 90 during the summer, but the other items on the list do not apply, so it would seem that I am not in extreme conditions?
The dealer wants 680.00 for T. Belt,Balance belt,W. pump Outer Drive belt and coolant.
Local Garage with former dealer mechanic will do it for 420.00.(I have used them before and they are reputable with same warranty) This did not include Outer Drive Belt. He does not change it unless needed or requested. 25.oo additional for this.His fee did include the W.Pump
The dealer and garage did recommend W. pump replacement. I would like to hear more feedback about the pump. It would seem that because of access problem and 105,000 miles, then I should go ahead with it???


Maintanance-Dealer >389.00 plus whatever add on's they find minus whatever i do myself.

Maintenance-Local garage> 280.00 plus whatever add on's they find minus whatever i do myself.

Is the AC filter easy to change? I did not know there was one or where it is at.

Plug wires- Should plug wires be changed now after 105,000 miles?

Tune up- Change plugs and what else?

What about adjusting valves?

I apologize for too many questions. maybe I should have a couple of threads for this.Preparing to go back to college with 60 mile a day commute. Need to be prepared. Thanks again...

Originally Posted by woofhaven

Note that Honda defines "severe" driving conditions as (1) driving in temperatures in excess of 90 degrees F; (2) trips less than 5 miles (or less than 10 miles in below freezing temperatures); (3) extensive idling or stop-and-go driving; (4) trailer towing or mountain driving; or (5) driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Assuming none of the above applies, here is what the Honda shop manual states is the regular maintenance for "normal" driving conditions between 75,000 and 105,000 miles:

1. Replace coolant (at 75,000 miles and 105,000 miles)
2. Parking brake adjustment (every 15,000 miles)
3. Rotate tires (every 7,500 miles)
4. Replace transmission fluid (at 90,000 miles)
5. Replace brake fluid (at 90,000 miles)
6. Replace timing belt and balancer belt (at 105,000 miles)
7. Check / adjust idle speed (at 105,000 miles) - should be 650 rpm + or - 50 rpm

Note: Honda also recommends regular (every 15,000 miles) inspection of suspension, tie rod ends, drive shaft boots, brake lines and hoses, cooling system hoses, and exhaust system.

Also, even though these items do not appear in the service interval of 75,000 miles to 105,000 miles, the following three things SHOULD have been done at 60,000 miles and if they were not, it is time:

1. Inspect / replace as needed drive belts
2. Replace spark plugs
3. Replace air filter
4. Replace A/C filter

Finally, note that Honda no longer recommends replacement of the water pump as part of the timing belt replacement. The water pump should be inspected at the time the timing belt is replaced, but replaced only if necessary. Many people replace the water pump anyway, because it is easy to access when the timing belt is out of the car, but I subscribe to the philosophy, "if it ain't broke..."

[Privatebigandrew]

i would most definatley change the water pump while its all torn down. I work in an Acura dealership, and we always do water pumps along with the T-belts. Look at it this way, if you replace it now, there is no extra labor, since it is already torn apart for the t-belt, whereas if you "have" to replace it down the road, you will have to pay for the labor once again. Also, i have seen waterpumps lock up when they weren't changed with the t-belt on some Acura's.

[hondagirl23]

Hello again Deaz,
Your message came as i was sending my last one out. Easy to replace is what i like to see...I went out and looked at car but.... What is a side kickplate? What involves taking glovebox off? Is there a thread or diagram w/instructions?

Originally Posted by deaz

Also the Cabin air filter(AC filter) is easy to replace. I just did mine a few months ago. All you have to do is pull off the passenger side kickplate, the glovebox, and then pull off one of the bars thats right in front of the air filter holder. You can't miss it. It'll be a vertically positioned filter, and it takes two of them. I think it only costs around 10-15 bucks for the replacements. So, just pull the two old ones out, clean the holders off, pop the new ones in, and then do the reverse of de-installation...

[hondagirl23]

That is kind of my thinking. Especially since I would not be doing the W.pump replacement myself if it when it went out later. I plan on keeping the car for a few more years. Ps..It is running like a champ.We honda owners should be ashamed for driving such a troublefree auto.LOL

Originally Posted by Privatebigandrew

i would most definatley change the water pump while its all torn down. I work in an Acura dealership, and we always do water pumps along with the T-belts. Look at it this way, if you replace it now, there is no extra labor, since it is already torn apart for the t-belt, whereas if you "have" to replace it down the road, you will have to pay for the labor once again. Also, i have seen waterpumps lock up when they weren't changed with the t-belt on some Acura's.

[BullShifter]

Cabin filter replacement - http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t439258.html I can't remember if the 98's have the filters.

In my opinion "NORMAL CONDITIONS" DO NOT EXIST.

Plug wires should be fine. Plugs, cap, rotor are simple

Replace the water pump its senseless not to. Of course Honda doesn't recommend it any more because that's more $$$$ for them down the road. While the pump is being changed also flush coolant.

Another thing not mentioned - Brake service which includes inspection, cleaning, lubing, & adjusting.

Valve adjustment should be done too.

[hondagirl23]

Thanks jackasssi..
Can anyone suggest what brand of cap, rotor and plugs to go with?
105,000 miles and you don't think i need to change plug wires? How do you know when?
I went to the thread about changing AC filter and asked a question but no reply yet.

Originally Posted by jackasssi

Cabin filter replacement - http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t439258.html I can't remember if the 98's have the filters.

In my opinion "NORMAL CONDITIONS" DO NOT EXIST.

Plug wires should be fine. Plugs, cap, rotor are simple

Replace the water pump its senseless not to. Of course Honda doesn't recommend it any more because that's more $$$$ for them down the road. While the pump is being changed also flush coolant.

Another thing not mentioned - Brake service which includes inspection, cleaning, lubing, & adjusting.

Valve adjustment should be done too.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by hondagirl23

Thanks jackasssi..
Can anyone suggest what brand of cap, rotor and plugs to go with?
105,000 miles and you don't think i need to change plug wires? How do you know when?
I went to the thread about changing AC filter and asked a question but no reply yet.

Get the plugs, cap, rotor from Honda. I've worked on Honda's with 200,000+ miles still using the original wires. It's just something we rarely change on Honda's. cheapest Honda parts - www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

Yes the 98 will be the same as 2002, same body style.

[hondagirl23]

Thanks again! You say get the plugs cap and rotor from honda. The dealer .....or order from this site you listed below?
I didn't even know you could order their parts online! Probably not worth ordering the above items due to shipping charges?

Originally Posted by jackasssi

Get the plugs, cap, rotor from Honda. I've worked on Honda's with 200,000+ miles still using the original wires. It's just something we rarely change on Honda's. cheapest Honda parts - www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

Yes the 98 will be the same as 2002, same body style.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by hondagirl23

Thanks again! You say get the plugs cap and rotor from honda. The dealer .....or order from this site you listed below?
I didn't even know you could order their parts online! Probably not worth ordering the above items due to shipping charges?

Use Honda parts, your choice the web site or local dealer.

[hondagirl23]

I went to that site for a look but could not find even find plugs. It asked me something that I did not know the answer to though...Ran out of time. Honda filter for AC also?

Originally Posted by jackasssi

Use Honda parts, your choice the web site or local dealer.

[deaz]

Well, as far as the plugs, they are just ngk, or is njk, one or the other, plugs. And the air filter, I just use a bosch. It works fine for me, but others might have some better input.

Oh, and the passenger side kick plate is that vinyl thats right below the dash. all you have to do for that is remove 2 screws inside the fuse box access, and then remove a third screw more towards the center console, then it just pops off from the clips.

And the glovebox is easy to remove... Just pop out the two screw hider clip thingys, and then remove those screws, and then remove the center screws. And thats all there is to it.

[hondagirl23]

I always used NGK in the past. Wonder who makes Honda plugs?
What brand do you use for cap and rotor? Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts carry Bosch? Thanx for the AC directions..hope to get to it soon.

Originally Posted by deaz

Well, as far as the plugs, they are just ngk, or is njk, one or the other, plugs. And the air filter, I just use a bosch. It works fine for me, but others might have some better input.

Oh, and the passenger side kick plate is that vinyl thats right below the dash. all you have to do for that is remove 2 screws inside the fuse box access, and then remove a third screw more towards the center console, then it just pops off from the clips.

And the glovebox is easy to remove... Just pop out the two screw hider clip thingys, and then remove those screws, and then remove the center screws. And thats all there is to it.