maintenance weekend project, need ideas.

[whiteracer]

I'm looking for a weekend project this weekend. After a couple things going out or needing to get replaced and me hitting the 80k miles mark, i figured i'd do a basic routine maintenance check. I'm trying to put a list together of everything i can check and possibly replace this weekend. so far:
oil
coolant
Tire pressure
Tranny fluid (if anyone has simple directions that would be great, 5 spd)
Brake fluid (just replaced my rotors and pads)
Replace a couple fuses
Power steering fluid
washer fluid
reset ecu
check shocks (even though koni yellows are in the mail)
That's about it for the obvious easy stuff, but i'd liket to actually get into the motor and check the stuff that mechanics charge and arm and a leg to replace. I read something on here where someone was told to check the distributor cap for something and that's what i'd like to get into this weekend?
Then if i can get the right tools/parts:
spark plugs
washer trick for rea camber adjustment
Fuel Pressure gauge
whatever that distributor thing was about
I'd like to check whatever suspension bearings or lubing that needs to get done. Oh! tomorrow i'm going to have my car on a lift for school for close to 3 hours where the class has to check a few things like brakes, and some suspension stuff, but is there anyway i should take advantage of this while i have my car up?
and whatever else should be checked routinely, esp. at 80k
I know there's quite a few more and i feel like there's an obvious one i'm forgetting...anyone got anything i can add?
98 manual civic ex

[Buzz1167]

I dont know if most hondas are the same, but this is what my manual says to do, around 80k, (75 - 82.5).
Oil and filter (duh)
Air filter (another duh)
Valve Adjustment
Coolant
F/R brakes check
Parking brake inspect/adjust
Hinges/locks etc lubricate
inspect about everything in the engine compartment
inspect about all of the suspension components
Timing belt at 60k to 100k (depending if you drive in "harsh conditions") (above 100 or below -20?)

Yea and all the fluids are are pretty cheap, so if I were you, just change them out, like you seem to plan on doing.

Basically, the tranny fluid has a bolt on the bottom side of the tranny, and you just unbolt it and put a pan underneath, just like the oil. Then you can either get a very compact funnel, or a small hand pump and pump it in the other hole located farther back (twards the middle), after youve closed the old one of course . In an auto tranny, it doesnt matter how you fill it (you just fill it till it pours out), becuase it just leaks out after it warms up. I don't know if the same goes for a manual or not.
For the valve adjustment, you probably dont need to do it unless you can hear them, but the manuals will tell you to. So your gonna need a special tool, or a spare box wrench that you can bend with a torch. Also, youll need a set of feeler gagues, and some confidence in your mechanical ability, not to mention time, beucase the first time you do it, itll be a while unless your just inclined and very patient. All the valves are below the top of the head, so thats why you need to bend a wrech to get down there.

Just look up timing for your car and see what size wrench you need, Im sure someone will be able to explain it better than me, but basically there is a lock nut around a screw, you loosen the nut (with the special wrench) and then turn the screw to adjust the height of the valve, and you use the feeler gagues to see when you have the correct gap, then you relock the nut and do it 15 more times... Yay, right?

HTH
Buzz1167

[BullShifter]

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Get yourself a repair manual - www.helminc.com

[whiteracer]

yeah i got that manual along with another one for some reason, got those charts in the owners manuals as well, except there's a lot in there and i only want to inspect what i need to.

[T!mmy]

Oh and don't forget to give your car a good "rim job" lol

[whtteg]

I would like to throw in an opinion , get honda tranny fluid, whatever you do don;t go with the synthetic fliud it will make your syncros chatter after awhile. Also IMO honda coolant is by far the best you can buy , and it is not that expensive compared to other brands. Lots of times you can get the parts guys at the counter to sell you stuff for 15-25% off. I get a 25% discount at honda for all my parts, all you have to do is tell them you own a shop and you work on hondas every now and then and that you want to pay taxes as you go b/c you won't be buying drastic amounts of parts to justify the paper work involved. Trust me it works, I have an acount under my name LOL

[tran_nsx]

just in case u didn't have these on the list yet, also replace your fuel filter, check the battery, air filter, all hoses and belts, cv boots, and eletrical system. the fuel filter is gonna be kinda tricky unless your garage is like a shop, everything else should be in the manual and easy to do. take the battery to autzone, they test it for free.